Sabarimala Pilgrim Count Crosses 30 Lakh

Sabarimala: The number of pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple during the ongoing season has crossed 30 lakh, according to official figures released on Friday.

Data up to December 25 shows that 30,01,532 pilgrims have visited the shrine so far. In the previous season (2024), the 30-lakh mark was reached by December 23, with a total of 30,78,044 pilgrims. By December 25 last year, the total count had reached 32,49,756. In 2023, the number of pilgrims up to the same date was about 28.42 lakh.

Authorities said the season saw a heavy rush from the start. To manage crowds, strict limits were imposed on virtual queue bookings and spot bookings, following High Court directions.

The highest single-day turnout was recorded on November 19, four days after the temple opened, with 1,02,299 pilgrims. The lowest was on December 12, with 49,738 visitors. Sundays, despite being holidays, were less crowded compared to previous years; on December 21, a Sunday, 61,576 pilgrims visited, while daily numbers on other days stayed above 80,000.

For the Mandala Pooja, virtual queue bookings were reduced to 30,000 on Friday and 35,000 on Saturday (December 26 and 27), while spot bookings were limited to 2,000. Movement from Pampa was also restricted from Friday morning due to the 'Thanga Anki' procession. By 9 am, 22,039 pilgrims had completed their visit. The ritual will be conducted on Saturday, with the deity adorned in golden attire. The auspicious time for the ceremony is between 10.10 am and 11.30 am.

The temple will close on Saturday night at 11 pm after the 'Harivarasanam' and reopen on December 30 for the Makaravilakku festival.