Sabarimala pilgrimage season must be complaint-free: Muraleedharan

Health and Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan directed that this year’s Sabarimala pilgrimage season must be complaint-free and that there should be no repeat of last year’s lapses.

Speaking at a review meeting of the Sabarimala pilgrimage here on Thursday, he said advance planning and preparations are needed and there should be no shortfall in providing facilities to Ajyappa devotees.

He suggested that all preparations should be started well in advance and the police should pay extra attention to crowd management measures to better manage the excessive rush of pilgrims seen in the first week of last year’s pilgrimage season.

During the last pilgrimage season, overcrowding led to a situation where many pilgrims had to end their journey at Pandalam, Mr. Muraleedharan pointed out.

He said that while the Travancore Dewaswom Board is responsible for conducting the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the government has a huge responsibility to ensure that the season runs smoothly without any complaints or mishaps.

He said all planning should be done on the assumption that there will be more devotees during the pilgrimage season this year. He added that Chief Minister VD Satheesan would soon convene a high-level meeting to review the preparations.

All road repair work should be completed before the pilgrimage begins. Transport Minister CP John has promised to ensure the availability of adequate bus services

Steps should be taken to help pilgrims who arrive in big buses and find they have to get down at Nilakcal. The police and the devaswom council should consult and take a final decision to allow such vehicles to proceed directly to Pamba.

The minister said that any shortage of staff in government health centers in pilgrimage areas should be reported so that urgent action can be taken.

Travancore Dewaswom Board President, K. Jayakumar, Pathanamthitta Collector A. Nizamuddeen, Pathanamthitta Superintendent of Police R. Anand, Anto Antony, MP and several MLAs were present.

Published – 9 Jul 2026 20:35 IST