Pathanamthitta (Kerala): The Virtual Q booking for visiting the popular Sabarimala temple will commence at 5 pm on Wednesday. The shrine will open for monthly rituals on September 16 and devotees will be permitted to visit the shrine from September 17 - 21.
In the wake of Covid-19, it is mandatory for pilgrims to produce negative RT-PCR reports or complete vaccination certificates to visit the temple. As many as 15,000 devotees will be permitted for visiting the shrine.
The temple was closed on July 21 after five days of monthly rituals. Earlier, 5000 devotees were allowed through the online booking system, reports said.
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Devotees usually flock to the popular Hindu pilgrimage destination, once it opens. As part of the temple customs, devotees have to walk barefoot carrying Irumudikkettu, a pouch that carries ritual items and offerings, on their heads. Pilgrims have to maintain celibacy and observe austerity before their visit.
It should be noted that Kerala has been reeling under the uptick in Covid-19 cases. As many as 25,772 new cases of COVID-19 and 189 fatalities were reported in the state on Tuesday, with a 15.87 percent test positivity rate. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday lifted night curfew and Sunday lockdown, as per reports.
