TDB launches virtual queue booking for upcoming pilgrimage season at Sabarimala temple

For the forthcoming pilgrimage season at the Sabarimala temple, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) opened virtual line tickets on Wednesday. The daily quota of 70,000 pilgrims is 10,000 less than the previously determined limit.

The daily quota was previously set by the government at 80,000 adherents. Even while the word “spot booking” may not be used directly, reports suggest that the 10,000 remaining seats are being put aside for spot reservations, even though the TDB said that a decision on those slots would be made later.

70,000 reservations were made online for devotees last year as well. After CM Pinarayi Vijayan informed the assembly on Tuesday that online registration would not be required for darshan at the hill temple, in response to a proposal by MLA V Joy, rumors circulated that the government would permit spot reservations.

The chief minister said that devotees who visit Sabarimala without prior knowledge of the system and who do not register online would also be guaranteed darshan without difficulty, even though he did not use the term “spot booking.”

One day before to the numerous Hindu organizations ramping up their demonstrations against the government’s decision to forbid spot bookings, the administration made a U-turn.

The authorities faced harsh criticism when it decided not to allow spot booking for Sabarimala darshan earlier this week. Both the UDF and CPI, an ally of the LDF, had pleaded with the government to rethink the choice. Additionally, the CPI had issued a warning that the RSS will use the growing opposition to the proposal for its own political advantage.

According to a TDB official, even though virtual booking is strictly required, the board expects a certain percentage of pilgrims to arrive without having registered beforehand. The official said that these reserved spots would be given to such people.

The administration had already decided to limit the number of pilgrims after many meetings with various agencies, including the police.

“In fact, the police recommendation was to limit the number to 70,000 per day,” TDB President P S Prasanth said. In order to assist as many devotees as possible, the board decided to improve it.”