Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the KSRTC not to allow the devotees to travel in the scheduled buses to Sabarimala. Besides, the High Court has also asked the corporation to only operate buses with fitness certificates. The Devaswom Board informed us that the tantri (chief priest) has decided to keep the temple open for 18 hours daily during the pilgrimage season. Besides, food would be supplied for the devotees at the Sannidanam, Pamba and Nilakkal; chukkuvellam (water boiled with dried ginger) would be distributed at various spots.
Darshan timings
The darsham timings will be 3:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Spot booking
Spot booking facilities have been launched to ensure a comfortable darshan for the pilgrims. Devotees flying into Kochi airport can make spot bookings at the special Sabarimala Pilgrim Facilitation Centre this time. Aadhaar is mandatory for spot bookings at Pampa, Vandiperiyar, and Erumeli for pilgrims not in the virtual queue. If they don't have Aadhaar, they should carry their Voters ID card or passport. A total of 70,000 pilgrims are allocated in the virtual queue. Over 10,000 are expected to use spot booking. Devotees who arrive without making a spot booking will be prevented from entering Sannidanam.
Water supply and accommodation
The Kerala Water Authority informed the court that arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted water supply, and the forest department has taken adequate steps to provide necessary facilities for the pilgrims who take the traditional forest path. The court has instructed the Devaswom Board to hand over the vacant building owned by Akhila Bharatiya Ayyappa Seva Sangam to arrange the necessary facilities for the devotees.
Facilitation centre opened at CIAL
The Sabarimala Pilgrim Facilitation Centre at the Cochin International Airport, inaugurated by Minister P Rajeev, is a 5000 sqft lounge facility set up near the police aid post at the Domestic Terminal. The facilities at the facilitation centre include a flight information display, food counter, prepaid taxi counter and a dedicated helpdesk by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Meanwhile, the minister said that the state government has arranged all facilities for the devotees to ensure a hassle-free darshan. He also informed us that around six thousand pilgrims used the facilitation centre at CIAL last year. CIAL Managing Director S Suhas, MLA Anwar Sadath Roji M John and airport director G Manu spoke at the event. Sabarimala pilgrims can avail of accommodation at the 0484 Aero Lounge at an affordable rate. For more details: 0484 – 3053484, 0484reservation@ciasl.in.
Bus service from airport to Pamba
Special KSRTC bus service has been launched from the Cochin International Airport to Pampa. The daily service starts at 8 pm and reaches Pamba by 2.30 am. The bus service, too, was flagged off by Minister P Rajeev. Devotees could either book tickets online or purchase them onboard. Charter service could also be scheduled if there are more than 30 passengers to Pamba from the airport. Tickets could be booked via its website. Ente KSRTC Neo-oprs app or at 9539215231 and 9562738311.
Mandala season begins
As part of the Mandala—Makaravilakku festival, special poojas and programs have been arranged at various temples in the district. Nivedyam, special poojas, and Niramal rituals will be offered for Lord Ayyappa at these temples. Meanwhile, facilitation centres have been opened at the Chottanikkara temple and Aluva Manappuram. Arrangements have been made for providing food for the devotees at various centres.
Fixed price for Pettathullal materials
The district collector has issued an order fixing the prices of the materials used for the pettathllal ritual, at Erumely during the pilgrimage season. Sharam, gada, sword and Kumkum would cost Rs 35 each. Meanwhile, the Devaswom Board has fixed the charges for the traditional orchestra (melam) that accompanies the pettathullal gang. The fee for each orchestra artist accompanying the pettathullal group from Kochambalam to Valiambalam has been fixed at Rs 250.
