THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The Kerala government has decided to hold the next Mandala Makaravilakku pilgrimage season in Sabarimala for a limited number of pilgrims following COVID-19 standards, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
The pilgrimage season is from November 15, 2020 to January 20, 2021.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said: “Sabarimala is the most important pilgrimage center in our state, but in the wake of the COVID pandemic, it has been decided to conduct this year’s Mandala Makaravilakku pilgrimage with a limited number of pilgrims without reducing rituals symbolically “.
A committee composed of the Chief Secretary, the Chief of the State Police and the Principal Secretaries of the Departments of Home, Devaswom, Forests and Health will examine and report on all related matters, including the number of pilgrims per day from each State.
The Chief Secretary will also decide on the inclusion of more departmental secretaries on the committee if necessary. These officials will also discuss the arrangements with their counterparts in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Pondicherry, from where the peak pilgrims arrive in Sabarimala.
The Chief Minister reported that admission to Sabarimala this year will be strictly regulated through the Kerala Police virtual queue system for a limited number of pilgrims.
“Arrangements will be made for pilgrims to register through the virtual queue system. Those over 65 and under 10 years old will not be allowed. Pilgrims must come with a negative COVID certificate. To ensure that COVID patients do not come to the pilgrimage, antigen tests will also be carried out in various centers with the help of the health department, “he said.
Giving more details about the steps taken, he said: “Pilgrims will have to start their return journey immediately after performing darshan in Sabarimala. They will not be allowed to stay in Pampa and Sannidhanam. Drinking water will be provided in steel containers by one time. refundable cost of ₹100, upon return of the container. Annadanam will be for limited pilgrims only and will be served on paper plates. “
Consumerfed and Supplyco will establish stores to sell essential items. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will offer special services and deploy more buses to maintain social distancing rules. Special arrangements will be made to collect ghee for anointing at a location designated by the Devaswom Board.
“The health department will examine the health aspect of making the mask mandatory when the devotees go up the mountain. As public bathing in the river cannot be allowed, sprinklers or a shower system will be installed for bathing in Pampa and Erumeli. The Thiruvabharana procession in connection with the Makaravilakku will be carried out in full compliance with the COVID protocol, “he added.
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