Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season 2024 Kicks Off with Fully Booked Virtual Slots
Sabarimala pilgrimage season starts with all virtual darshan slots booked. New priests take charge; IMD introduces localized weather updates for pilgrims’ safety.
The eagerly anticipated Sabarimala pilgrimage season begins today, and demand is already high, with all 70,000 daily slots for darshan booked through the virtual queue system for the first week. In addition to the virtual slots, 10,000 pilgrims will be allowed entry daily through entry-point booking. Pilgrims are permitted to start their journey to Sannidhanam beginning at 1 pm.
The outgoing head priest, P N Mahesh Namboothiri, will open the sanctum sanctorum and perform the lamp lighting ceremony at 5 pm. The new head priests, S Arun Kumar Namboothiri for Sabarimala and Vasudevan Namboothiri for Malikappuram, will take over their responsibilities. On Vrishchikam 1, which falls on Saturday, the temple will open early at 3 am, with revised operating hours from 3 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 11 pm.
Enhanced Safety Measures and Weather Forecasting
To ensure the safety of pilgrims, the state police chief recently conducted a security review at Pamba. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also implemented a localized weather forecasting system for Sabarimala, akin to those used for Amarnath and Char Dham. Rain gauges have been installed at Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Nilackal by IMD’s regional center to provide three-day weather forecasts. These forecasts are expected to be upgraded to real-time updates, or “nowcasts,” following a request from the Pathanamthitta district administration.
Devotional Hub and Kochi Airport Facilities for Pilgrims
In the wake of the pilgrimage season, plans are underway to develop a devotional hub of international standards at Erumely, which will include a convention center. Additionally, a halting point, or edathavalam, has been set up for pilgrims at Kochi airport. This 5,000 square foot facility is conveniently located near the police aid post in the domestic arrivals area and was inaugurated by Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Thursday.