Sabarimala Makaravilaku Booking 2025: Only 5000 Spot Tickets Available for Devotees

Sabarimala Makaravilaku Booking 2025: Only 5000 Spot Tickets Available for Devotees

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): To manage the growing crowd of devotees during the Makaravilaku festival at the Sabarimala temple, authorities have decided to cap the spot booking facility at 5,000 pilgrims per day. This restriction will be in effect from January 8 to January 15, as part of crowd control measures implemented under the guidance of the Kerala High Court.

For pre-booked entries, the Devaswom Board has allocated specific quotas through its virtual queue system on their official website. The online booking limits are set at 60,000 pilgrims for January 12, 50,000 for January 13, and 40,000 for January 14 — the auspicious day of Makara Jyoti. Devotees have also been advised not to camp on the hillock, a customary practice during this festive period.

Preparations to Avoid Overcrowding

With thousands of pilgrims traditionally gathering at Parnasalas to witness the Makara Jyoti, authorities are working to minimise congestion on the festival day. Police personnel will conduct inspections at Nilakkal before allowing devotees to proceed to Pampa. Additionally, guidelines will be enforced to restrict cooking and other activities by devotees in the paranasal areas. Security measures are being strengthened at key locations designated for Jyoti darshan to ensure a safe and peaceful experience.

Thiruvabharnam Procession Schedule

The Thiruvabharnam procession, a significant event during the festival, will begin at 1 pm on January 12 from the Valiya Koyikkal Temple in Pandalam. After ceremonial rituals and darshan, the procession will make its way to various temples en route, with an overnight rest scheduled at the Ayiroor Puthiyakavu Temple. On January 13, the procession will resume at 3 am and stop at Laha for rest by nightfall.

On the day of Makaravilaku, January 14, the procession will leave Laha and arrive at the Sabaripeetha by 4 pm, passing through Pandithavalam, Cherianavattom, Neelimala, and Apachimedu. The Thiruvabharnam will then reach Sannidhanam at 5:30 pm, entering via Saramkuthi. Police and local authorities have planned extensive arrangements to ensure the safety of devotees along the procession routes.

Record-Breaking Pilgrim Turnout

The ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season has seen a record number of visitors. Between November 15 and January 5, 39,02,610 devotees visited the shrine, compared to 35,12,691 during the same period last year. Since the beginning of the Makaravilaku season on December 30, an impressive 6,22,849 pilgrims have already visited the temple, as per data provided by the state police media centre.

These figures underscore the effectiveness of the measures taken to ensure smooth and safe darshan for devotees, even amidst the challenges posed by the massive crowds.

The Makaravilaku festival, with its spiritual significance and grand rituals, continues to attract millions of devotees, making it one of India’s most cherished religious events.