Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Government has decided to increase the number of devotees allowed at Sabarimala Temple. The number of pilgrims allowed to visit the temple has been increased to 2000 on weekdays and 3000 on weekends. Bookings will start on Wednesday. Earlier, the Travancore Devaswom Board had asked the government to increase the number of pilgrims. The Board made the suggestion in view of the decrease in revenue due to the drop in the number of pilgrims visiting the temple. A high powered committee chaired by the Chief Secretary had also recommended more number of pilgrims be allowed to visit the temple.
Devaswom Board pitched for more pilgrims
The Government was earlier looking into the Devaswom Board’s demand to increase the number of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala during the ongoing Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrim season. Devaswom Board had requested the Government to allow 5000 pilgrims daily as against the 1,000 allowed now.
The Government has categorized the Covid transmission rate in the State as 'low'. Hence, the Government accepted the recommendations to raise the number for the pilgrims visiting the temple this season.
