Sabarimala: The Ayyappa Swamy Temple in Sabarimala, Kerala, has opened its doors for the annual Mandala Puja, with devotees allowed to visit until December 26. This revered pilgrimage site in South India will welcome up to 70,000 pilgrims daily, with darshan hours extended by half an hour if the crowd exceeds expectations. The temple administration has made provisions for managing the influx of devotees, with many having already secured slots through the virtual queue system from November 15 to December 29.
In addition to Sabarimala, booking slots are available for other key pilgrimage points, including Pampa, Erumeli, and Vandiperiyar, allowing up to 10,000 pilgrims daily. For access, pilgrims must present identification, including an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport.
To support the devotees’ safety, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will provide dedicated weather forecasts for Sabarimala, similar to services during the Amarnath and Char Dham pilgrimages. Weather stations, equipped with rain and temperature gauges, have been installed at three locations within Sabarimala. In the initial phase, three-day weather updates will be shared, with an immediate information system to follow. This initiative, requested by the Pathanamthitta district administration, addresses concerns about high temperatures, humidity, and potential rainfall, enhancing the pilgrimage experience for millions.