Sabarimala is grappling with an overwhelming surge of pilgrims, leading to severe disruptions and protests due to inadequate facilities. The situation escalated on Monday, with reports indicating heavy traffic jams, restrictions on vehicle movement, and pilgrims facing a lack of essential amenities such as food, water, and toilets.
The Pala-Ponkunnam route to Sabarimala witnessed intense traffic, resulting in an approximately 8 km-long jam from Elikulam to Elangulam Temple Junction. Some vehicles were reportedly stranded for over 12-14 hours, prompting frustration among the pilgrims. Police measures, including the halting of buses at Vaikom, further fuelled discontent, leading to protests against the authorities’ actions.
On 24 December 2023, the hill shrine experienced its highest pilgrim turnout of the season, with 1,00,969 devotees ascending the ‘Pathinettampadi’ (18 steps) for a glimpse of the deity. Pilgrims faced extensive waiting times, with queues stretching from Neelimala, and the situation persisted into 25 December 2023 – Christmas day. Strict control measures were enforced by the police at Pampa and Nilackal.
The restrictions imposed by the police on vehicle entry in Pamba and Erumely exacerbated the situation, contributing to significant traffic congestion. Pilgrims, including women and children, were left waiting for hours, with some expressing disappointment over the lack of basic facilities. The Kerala High Court had recently directed temple authorities and the police to ensure pilgrims are provided with snacks and drinking water.
As the current pilgrim season, known as Mandalakalam, progresses, Sabarimala continues to witness an unprecedented influx of devotees. With the Mandala pooja scheduled for 27 December 2023, the temple is expected to close for three days before reopening on the fourth day.
Speaking to Asianet News, devotees from Karnataka stranded on the road in their vehicle said, “In the morning we arrived here at 8 AM. It is already a whole day now. There is no food or water to drink. No one should come to Sabarimala next time. I am begging you with folded hands, nobody should come. Please. At least they should have informed us. The police here are not handling the situation properly. They are not allowing vehicles to pass freely.”
Another devotee from Karnataka said, “There is no water or toilet facilities. This is a shame for the Kerala government. Police are doing dadagiri. They are showing their shoe if we ask anything. We have not had food since 8 PM last night. Why are they doing this?”
Another devotee said, “Even Tirupati is better than this. Tirupati is very good. Kerala government is unable to handle the crowd that comes in large numbers just for 2 months.”
A Karnataka Union leader named Jagadish said, “In Karnataka, CPM is good. In Kerala, it is no good. No improvement at all. There is no toilet or water. Shouldn’t Pinarayi Vijayan do something about all this?”
Take a look at what Kannadigas have to say about Sabarimala.!!
When we ask something, police officers Showing shoes 👞!
Why do they do such things?
No water, no food, no toilet.
Ayyappa devotees’ cars are stopped, and they are stuck on their way for 14 hours without food,… pic.twitter.com/KhYmOFdb8G
— महारथी-മഹാരഥി (@MahaRathii) December 25, 2023
The plight of the devotees took a distressing turn as pilgrims from various states, including Chennai, Coimbatore, and West Bengal, found themselves stranded without access to food, water, or toilet facilities. Complaints arose regarding the blockage of vehicles, leading to protests, including devotees lying on the ground on the Pala Ponkunnam Road. Water scarcity issues were exacerbated by vendors selling water at exorbitant prices.
To get stranded in a place that is not one’s hometown or home state without food and water is a big cause for concern.
(with inputs from Manorama)
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