Tue Jan 14 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sabarimala Makaravilakku Festival Concludes Peacefully
**Thiruvananthapuram:** The Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala concluded peacefully with lakhs of pilgrims witnessing the sacred ceremony and safely descending the mountain. The successful event was attributed to meticulous planning and coordinated efforts by various government departments, including the Devaswom Board, police, health, electricity, transportation, forest, revenue, and fire force departments.
The Devaswom Board issued a press release stating that the well-executed security arrangements and proactive measures prevented overcrowding and ensured a smooth darshan experience for all devotees. Over 5,000 police personnel, along with NDRF, RPF, and bomb squad units were deployed. Minister V.N. Vasavan personally oversaw preparations, visiting the Sannidhanam the night before Makaravilakku.
Detailed security measures were implemented at Makaravilakku viewpoints, with police, fire and forest department personnel ensuring the safety of pilgrims camping at various points, including Panditalam. The Devaswom Board also took steps to directly deliver food to pilgrims at Panditalam to prevent cooking accidents. KSRTC provided 800 buses, including 450 for chain services and 350 for long-distance routes, to facilitate the safe return of pilgrims.
The security arrangements were spearheaded by ADGP S. Sreejith, Sabarimala Police Special Officer V. Ajith, and Sabarimala ADM Arun S. Nair. Clear guidelines were issued to devotees regarding darshan and safe descent. Ten designated points, including Panditalam, were set up at Sannidhanam for devotees to camp, with special police focus on their security. Adequate lighting and medical facilities were arranged at various points along the descent route. KSEB installed 4000 additional lights to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
First Piper 