Sabarimala: The state police has made elaborate measures to ensure that devotees coming to Sabarimala temple for Thulamasa pujas strictly comply with the COVID Safety protocol put in place by the state government.
The number of police personnel deployed for Sabarimala duty this time will be commensurate with the number of devotees permitted to enter the temple for darshan. A total of 250 devotees will be allowed to have darshan at the temple daily. Over 200 police personnel will be deployed at Sannidhanam alone. Besides, there will be heavy deployment of police in Nilakkal and Pamba.
KAP 5 battalion commandant K Radhakrishnan has been appointed as the special officer. He will be assisted by Pathanamthitta district superintendent of police K G Simon and KAP 3 battalion commandant J Jayanath.
The Thulamasa pujas will be held between October 16 to 21. All pilgrims who wish to visit the temple for darshan should register with Kerala Government's 'Jagratha' web portal and make the bookings through Kerala Police virtual queue system.
Virtual queue system to be up and running from today
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the virtual queue system at the Sabarimala temple will be operational from Sunday morning. The entry will be allowed only through Vadasserikara and Erumeli routes.
Devotees will not be permitted to take bath in the Pamba river. They will not be allowed to take rest at Erumeli and Idathavalam.
Traditional petta thullal (ritualistic dance involving pilgrims' mainly first timers to Sabarimala) and processions with more than 5 persons have been prohibited. Artefacts, masks, wooden arrows and other objects used for traditional processions should not be taken on rent.
Pilgrims are prohibited from entering Manimala, Meenachil rivers and other water bodies in the area.
The showers installed near valiya thodu in Erumeli will be avoided this time because of the heavy flow of water. These showers will be shifted and set up at some other place.
Bathing rooms and toilets should be used strictly complying with COVID protocol. If needed, pilgrims will be subjected to antigen tests.
