Team News Riveting
Kochi, October 6
The expert committee constituted to recommend COVID-19 safety rules for pilgrim entry into Sabarimala had suggested allowing 1000 devotees everyday.
The committee had submitted its report on Tuesday and recommended maximum 1000 devotees should be allowed entry into the Sabarimala hill shrine everyday from November 16—the start of Mandala Pooja.
The final decision on the recommendation of the committee would be taken by the government, Devaswom Minister Kadakkampally Surendran told media persons.
“Pilgrims who wish to do a Darshini at Sabarimala hill shrine should first register at the COVID-19 jagratha portal,” the minister said, adding that at the entry points, pilgrims can get tested after paying the entry fee.
The Pampa river will be closed to pilgrims as bathing in the river will be prohibited. Stay at the sannidhanam, near Ganapathi temple and other areas will also be prohibited.
The state government also plans to close all lodges, the Devaswom minister said.
Most importantly, the report also insists that only pilgrims between the ages of 10 and 60 should be admitted into the temple. Those above 60 and children below 10 years of age fall in the vulnerable category and hence should stay away from crowds according to Kerala’s COVID-19 protocol.
The Devaswom Minister added that the government would examine the recommendations in the report and take appropriate decisions.
