Sabarimala Pilgrimage: Kerala CM Backtracks On Mandatory Online Booking, Confirms 'Smooth Darshan For All'

The decision comes after widespread protests against the initial move to require online registration for darshan during the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

The Kerala government has announced that pilgrims visiting the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala without prior online registration will be able to have a smooth darshan, reversing its earlier stance on mandating virtual queue booking. The decision comes after widespread protests against the initial move to require online registration for darshan during the upcoming pilgrimage season.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made the announcement in the Assembly on Tuesday, while responding to a submission by CPI(M) MLA V Joy. He assured that pilgrims who arrive without registering online will not face difficulties in accessing darshan. "Facilities for smooth darshan will be ensured for those who do not register online and those unaware of the system," the CM said, as per PTI.

This marks a shift from the government's initial position and follows a similar provision made during the previous pilgrimage season. However, Vijayan did not clarify whether the spot booking system, which was implemented last year alongside virtual queue booking, would continue this year.

The issue of spot booking was reportedly discussed in an evaluation meeting held on October 5, along with other measures to ensure a secure and smooth pilgrimage experience for all visitors to the temple. CM Vijayan highlighted that the virtual queue system, which allows pilgrims to book darshan tickets and prasadam online, has been successful at major pilgrimage centers like Tirupati and was introduced at Sabarimala in 2011.

While the government aims to strengthen the virtual queue system to ensure safety and smooth management, it also seeks to provide alternative arrangements for those who may not use online booking, as per the report. The CM emphasised that digital records of pilgrims through virtual queue registration help authorities ensure safety and manage any incidents of accidents or missing persons.

This statement comes amid pressure from opposition parties like the BJP, which had threatened protests if the government enforced a policy of virtual queue-only access to darshan, without allowing spot booking. The pilgrimage season at Sabarimala is set to begin in mid-November, and the government has promised enhanced facilities for devotees during this time.