Sabarimala to allow devotees with Covid restrictions

Sabarimala Devaswom Board President N Vasu has said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, devotees will be allowed in Sabarimala with restrictions. He said that the decision was taken in a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister.

Thiruvananthapuram: Due to COVID pandemic, the Kerala government is planning to allow devotees with restrictions in Sabarimala. Devaswom Board President N Vasu said that an agreement was reached at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to reduce the number of pilgrims and allow mandala darshanam. A five-member committee headed by the Chief Secretary was tasked to prepare a detailed outline of the regulations.

A limited number of pilgrims will also be allowed to visit the Tulamasa Puja. Darshan will only be allowed if COVID protocols are followed. Pilgrims can also enter through the virtual queue. Pilgrims will not be allowed to stay in Sannidhanam for long.

It has been suggested that antigen testing should be done to prevent COVID infected from entering. Pilgrims from other states are not barred. N Vasu said the construction of Pampa Nilakkal Road will be completed before the Tulamasa Puja.