Wed Oct 16 15:01:46 UTC 2024: ## Sabarimala Pilgrims Demand Spot Bookings, Devaswom Board Remains Unswayed
**Thiruvananthapuram:** The ongoing controversy surrounding spot bookings for darshan at Sabarimala took a new turn today with Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar urging the Devaswom Minister to reconsider the policy. Gopakumar, in a letter to the Minister, expressed concerns that the exclusive reliance on online bookings could negatively impact the pilgrimage experience for devotees.
The Deputy Speaker’s plea comes amidst widespread protests from various organizations advocating for the traditional practice of spot bookings. Despite the mounting pressure, the Devaswom Board has maintained its stance, claiming that the current policy, which only allows virtual queues, ensures that no devotee is turned away.
The CPI has also voiced its strong opposition to the government’s rigid approach, with State Secretary Binoy Viswam emphasizing the need for flexibility on sensitive issues. He warned that maintaining a stubborn stance could be counterproductive in addressing the needs of the devotees.
The Devaswom Board’s response to the concerns raised by devotees and political leaders has been vague. It remains unclear whether the Board is considering any changes to its current policy.
First Piper 