Kerala’s popular Sabarimala Temple reopens for the Mandala-Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti) festival. However, spot booking at Sabarimala Temple has been cancelled for three days in the wake of heavy rainfall warning issued for various districts in the state, including Pathanamthitta.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday informed that the department has made elaborate arrangements for pilgrims to combat the possible spread of COVID. She underlined that all health services have been put in place.
The temple authorities have also announced that all pilgrims must follow COVID 19 protocols. This means that a visitor either needs to show a negative covid certificate that is not older than 72 hours, or has a vaccination certificate showing double dosage. Only then will they be allowed to enter the temple premises. Along with this, devotees must also present valid ID proof, such as a passport, Aashar, among others.
RT-PCR test facilities will also be available at railway stations in Chengannur, Thiruvalla, and Kottayam. It is being said that the test reports will be available in 3 hours’ time.
The temple will remain open till December 26 for Mandalapooja. It will again be reopened on December 30 and darshan will be allowed till January 20 for the Makaravilakku festival.
