Marking the beginning of yet another pilgrimage season, doors of the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala will be opened for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku season on Thursday.
According to K. Radhakrishnan, Minister for Devaswom, all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth pilgrimage. Besides, steps have been taken to streamline the flow of pilgrims with the use of advanced technologies. This includes the introduction of a dynamic queue control system to manage crowding at Sannidhanam, besides the installation of video walls at Nilackal, Pampa and Sannidhanam to provide update on the status of pilgrim rush. The e-Kanikka system for the pilgrims to make donations has been made more comprehensive.
The preparations at all major base stations like Erumely, Chengannur, Kumily, Ettumanur and Punalur too have been completed. The bus station at Pampa is operational and 473 buses will be operated till the first week of December. The frequency of services will be augmented in the days leading upto the Makaravilakku festival.
