Sabarimala Devotee Pass Suspension: Managing Forest Route Influx

The Travancore Devaswom Board has halted the issuance of special passes for Sabarimala devotees entering via the forest due to the surge in numbers. This measure aims to minimize waiting times for darshan. The board's decision comes after a significant increase in forest route pilgrims.

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has temporarily suspended special pass issuance for devotees of Sabarimala arriving on foot via the forest route, due to a surge in their numbers.

This decision aims to prevent extended waiting periods for darshan for devotees using both the virtual queue system and spot booking at Pamba, board member A Ajikumar highlighted in a press release.

Initially, arrangements catered to 5,000 forest route pilgrims, but this number has increased fivefold, necessitating the restriction. Hence, the board has decided to cease issuing special passes until further notification.

(With inputs from agencies.)