Sabarimala pilgrimage readiness has come under a state-level review, with Revenue Minister A P Anil Kumar directing departments to eliminate lapses in sanitation, safety, emergency response, multilingual communication and basic services for devotees. The review meeting was held at Pamba ahead of the pilgrimage season and the opening of the Ayyappa temple for Sree Chithira Atta Thirunal.
The minister said departments must work in coordination and identify shortcomings before they affect pilgrims. Representatives from various departments briefed the meeting on preparations, while Anil Kumar emphasised that Sabarimala’s national importance required a safe pilgrimage and consistent service delivery.
Cleanliness at Pamba and nearby areas was identified as a priority. The minister called for an awareness campaign to discourage devotees from leaving clothes in the Pamba river as part of a ritual, saying the practice was not part of Kerala’s tradition. Since established habits could not be changed immediately, he also directed officials to create a mechanism to remove discarded clothes within a stipulated time.
Local self-government institutions were asked to give sanitation activities special attention during the season. The minister also noted a shortage of funds affecting activities under the local self-government department. Separately, technical issues raised by the forest department in connection with road renovation works were being addressed, according to the review meeting.
The meeting also focused on the growing use of electric vehicles by pilgrims. Anil Kumar said the existing charging facility at Pamba was inadequate and directed authorities to establish another station at Nilackal. At least two charging stations should be operational during the pilgrimage season to prevent congestion when several vehicles arrive simultaneously, he said.
Information and public announcements for devotees arriving from outside Kerala will be expanded in languages they understand. The Travancore Devaswom Board was directed to provide announcements in multiple languages at Sannidhanam, Pamba and other locations where pilgrims gather in large numbers, in addition to Malayalam. The minister also called for faster assistance to devotees stranded after accidents or other emergencies and more effective coordination between departments, including the police. Access to drinking water and other basic facilities was also reviewed.
The Pathanamthitta district administration’s Sabarimala portal was inaugurated at the meeting. It is designed to provide daily information and access to services related to the pilgrimage.
The temple will open at 5pm on Friday for rituals associated with Sree Chithira Atta Thirunal, which falls on Saturday. Melsanthi Prasad E D will open the sanctum and light the lamp in the presence of tantri Kandararu Brahmadathan. The sacred fire will then be lit at the hearth below the 18 holy steps. Darshan will begin at 5am on Saturday, followed by Padipooja after the evening deeparadhana. The temple will close at 10pm after the day’s rituals.
