Wed Oct 16 20:22:51 UTC 2024: ## Sabarimala Virtual Queue Booking Caps Daily Limit at 70,000, Leaving Pilgrims Uncertain About Spot Booking
**Thiruvananthapuram:** The much-anticipated virtual queue booking for Sabarimala pilgrimage has commenced, but with a daily limit of 70,000 pilgrims, leaving many uncertain about the availability of spot booking. Earlier, the government had announced an online booking capacity of 80,000 per day, with the remaining 10,000 spots reserved for spot booking. However, the Travancore Devaswom Board has remained silent on the matter, leaving pilgrims in the dark about their chances of securing last-minute darshan.
The decision to limit virtual queue bookings to 70,000 is a repeat of last year’s practice, with the Devaswom Board yet to clarify whether any additional spot bookings will be made available. This comes despite earlier assurances from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the government would ensure smooth darshan for all pilgrims, even those without prior online registration.
The Chief Minister’s assurance came after widespread criticism from various political parties and public alike regarding the decision to completely abolish spot booking. The controversy sparked after the Chief Minister, in a reply to a submission by V. Joy in the Legislative Assembly, indicated that while spot booking would not be allowed, the government would ensure alternative arrangements for pilgrims arriving without online registration.
The decision to limit virtual queue bookings, while the government assures smooth darshan for all, has left many pilgrims questioning the availability of spot bookings. The Devaswom Board is yet to address these concerns.
Meanwhile, the Sabarimala temple has opened for the Tulamasam puja, with Tantri Kantharr Rajeev and Kantharr Brahmadatan presiding over the ceremony. The new chief priests will be selected through a lottery process to be held tomorrow at Sannidhanam. The shortlisted candidates include 25 for Sabarimala and 15 for Malikappuram. The draw will be conducted in the presence of Tantri Kantharr Rajeev, Kantharr Brahmadatan, Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth, members A. Aji Kumar and G. Sundaresan, and Special Commissioner and District Judge R. Jayakrishnan.
First Piper 