Fri Dec 26 16:18:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Kumily ghat road in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu is experiencing severe traffic congestion due to a surge in Ayyappa devotees traveling to the Sabarimala Temple for the mandala puja celebrations. The increased volume of private cars, tempo-coaches, and omnibuses has overwhelmed the road. While the traffic volume has increased, issues are complicated by a change in traffic management, with authorities directing devotees to use the Kumily route to the temple and the Cumbum route for return journeys, a shift that wasn’t well-coordinated between the Theni and Idukki district administrations. This change has disrupted the usual purchasing patterns of returning pilgrims, disappointing local shopkeepers. The authorities maintain that they held extensive meetings in preparation but acknowledge the high crowd and vehicle volume as the primary cause of the slow traffic.
News Article:
Sabarimala Pilgrimage Causes Gridlock in Theni District
THENI, INDIA – December 26, 2025 – A surge in Ayyappa devotees traveling to the Sabarimala Temple for the mandala puja celebrations has resulted in significant traffic congestion on the Kumily ghat road in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
Vehicles, including private cars, tempo-coaches, and private omnibuses carrying pilgrims from across southern India, are experiencing long delays and moving at a snail’s pace. The increased traffic volume has been compounded by a change in traffic management implemented by the Theni and Idukki district administrations.
Instead of the usual practice of directing pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala to use the Cumbum route and those returning to use Kumily, authorities have reversed the system. Now, devotees are being directed to use Kumily to reach the temple and Cumbum on their return journey.
Local shopkeepers in Kumily are reporting disappointment as the change has disrupted the usual purchasing patterns of returning pilgrims, who would normally buy souvenirs and local goods. Many of the devotees are unaware of the sudden change of plans.
While some have criticized the lack of coordination between the district administrations as the reason, a senior official defended the preparations, stating that multiple meetings were held involving revenue, police, fire and rescue, and forest departments. They cited the sheer volume of vehicles and pilgrims as the primary factor causing the slow traffic.
Authorities are urging pilgrims to exercise patience and caution while navigating the congested roads.
First Piper 