The proposal of a skywalk in Erumeli, a key halting point for Sabarimala pilgrims in Kottayam, has triggered protests of an unexpected nature. 

The project is intended to ease traffic congestion along NH 183A during the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. Even at the onset, the Hindu groups have taken exception to the plan, saying it could disrupt long-standing religious customs and practices.

At the heart of the concern is the traditional Petta Thullal (also known as Petta Kettu), a ritualistic dance performed by pilgrims symbolising the triumph of good over evil. This ritual begins at the Petta Sree Dharmasastha Temple (Kochambalam), proceeds across the main road to the Vavar Juma Masjid (Vavarambalam/ Vavarupalli), and then to the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple (Valiyambalam). The path the pilgrims take is considered sacred, and any obstruction or alteration to this journey is viewed as an infringement upon religious tradition.

Tensions escalated after Poonjar MLA Sebastin Kulathunkal revived an earlier proposal under the Erumeli Master Plan, which includes the foot over bridge (FOB). A budget allocation of ₹10 crore was made in 2023–24, and the plan has now moved to the detailed project report (DPR) stage. A recent site visit involving the MLA and local officials sparked further debate.

S Manoj, state secretary of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam, outlined two major objections. “First, the FOB will begin at Kochambalam and end near the Vavar Juma Masjid. Devotees may be forced to enter the mosque premises even if they don’t wish to, as ground-level crossing will be restricted. Second, the Petta Thullal is a barefoot ritual that must take place on the ground. Performing it on a flyover contradicts tradition,” he said.

Along with the Ayyappa Seva Samajam, organisations such as Hindu Aikya Vedi and Akhila Bharata Ayyappa Seva Sangham have also come forward in protest. “There are already several issues in Erumeli that need urgent attention, like the deteriorated condition of the KSRTC bus stand and the long-standing need for a permanent Fire Force depot. Let the government fix those first before pushing this project forward,” Manoj added.

He also argued that the proposed FOB will not resolve the core traffic challenges during the pilgrimage season. “Pilgrims still need to walk from the mosque to the Valiyambalam — a comparatively long stretch intersected by roads. Currently, the Petta Thullal is performed on one side of the road while the other is used for one-way traffic. This creates severe congestion and disturbs the devotees’ spiritual focus,” he said.

Manoj suggested that instead of building a skywalk, traffic should be managed by effectively utilising the link roads around the town. “Vehicles should be restricted from entering the Petta Thullal zone during the pilgrimage period. Even shop owners are willing to cooperate by scheduling loading and unloading times,” he noted.

Erumeli Town Ward Member and Vavar Masjid Committee President P H Nasarudheen said the mosque would not support any move that could disrupt the town’s religious harmony. “Erumeli is a symbol of communal unity, where Hindu and Muslim pilgrims coexist peacefully. We won’t allow that to be disturbed,” he said.

Nasarudheen added that the FOB proposal has resurfaced multiple times — during the tenures of MLAs George J Mathew, P C George, and now Sebastin Kulathunkal. “Every time it was dropped following public opposition. Even former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had once proposed declaring the Petta Thullal route a ‘vahana-muktha vishudha patha’ (vehicle-free zone) during the season, but it was never implemented,” he recalled.

MLA Sebastin Kulathunkal clarified that the project is still in the discussion phase, with no final decision or detailed plan yet. “We’ve only reached the DPR stage. No work has started, and no tenders have been floated. The proposed endpoint of the FOB will not be inside the mosque premises, but on the roadside nearby. Those who wish to visit the mosque can use the steps from there, and others can walk directly to the Valiyambalam,” he said.

The MLA added that the project is meant to resolve bottlenecks at a junction where three roads converge and multiple buses stop, creating heavy congestion during the pilgrimage season. “Currently, traffic is managed by police, but the increasing number of pilgrims makes it difficult. We need a long-term solution,” he said.

He also assured that a public meeting involving the panchayat, Devaswom Board, mosque committee, and local organisations would be held before any final decision is made. “We plan to involve the Travancore Devaswom Board to oversee the project if it proceeds,” he added.

Meanwhile, PWD (National Highways) Deputy Chief Engineer Riyad B said that the department has not yet received any files or communication regarding the project. “We’ve had no official information on this so far,” he said.