Kottayam Police Ramp Up Security for Sabarimala Makaravilakku Festival
Police in Kottayam have implemented strict security measures for the Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival. They urge devotees to follow all arrangements and guidelines closely. Sannidhanam police special officer S Sujith Das announced on Monday that around 2,000 police officers will deploy at Sabarimala on Makaravilakku day.
Current and Additional Police Deployment
Currently, 1,534 personnel serve at Sannidhanam. This includes 34 circle inspectors and 1,489 civil police officers under 11 deputy superintendents of police. An additional 500 officers will arrive on Tuesday to bolster security efforts.
Devotees receive advice to follow guidelines for a smooth Makara Jyothi viewing experience. They also need a safe descent from the hill, as the special officer emphasized.
Crowd Management and Entry Restrictions
As per the high court's order, entry to Sannidhanam on Makaravilakku day faces restrictions. Only 30,000 people can enter through the virtual queue system. Another 5,000 gain entry via spot booking.
From 10am, devotees cannot proceed from Nilackal to Pamba. From 11am, movement from Pamba to Sannidhanam stops completely. These measures aim to control crowd flow and ensure safety.
Thiruvabharanam Procession Details
The Thiruvabharanam procession will reach Saramkuthi via the traditional route around 5.30pm. Police have placed strict security along the procession path. It will arrive at Sannidhanam by 6.20pm, followed by the deeparadhana ritual.
Devotees should not attempt to touch the Thiruvabharanam box. They must avoid creating a rush along the procession path, as the special officer warned.
Viewing Guidelines and Safety Precautions
Devotees should view the Makara Jyothi safely from designated viewpoints. These include Pandithavalam, Saramkuthi, and U-turn locations. Cooking remains strictly prohibited in these areas, especially near forest regions.
Careful attention should prevent hazardous situations at the hilltop. After viewing the Makara Jyothi, devotees should not rush back to Pamba. Safe transportation from Pamba is ensured with KSRTC buses arranged for all attendees.
Devotees must board KSRTC vehicles in an orderly manner to maintain smooth operations.
Designated Return Routes After Darsan
Police have designated three specific routes for returning after the Makara Jyothi darsan:
- The main route runs from Pandithavalam through the back of the darshan complex. It goes via nadapandal, koprakalam, and tractor road, reaching KSEB Junction.
- The second route starts from Pandithavalam Junction. It descends near Malikappuram, passes through police barracks and bailey bridge, and ends at Chandranandan Road.
- The third route travels through the middle of nadapandal directly to KSEB Junction.
Police aim to safely guide devotees to Pamba using these structured routes.
Unprecedented Crowd Management Plans
On Makaravilakku day, all measures focus on managing the unprecedented crowd. Key areas include sopanam, thirumuttam, and surrounding regions during the Thiruvabharanam procession arrival.
Devotees will move to viewpoints to avoid congestion. Only after this relocation will the Thiruvabharanam be brought into Sannidhanam. This step ensures orderly proceedings and minimizes risks.
