A coordination committee meeting presided over by Theni district Collector V. Sivakrishnamurthy, second from left, and Idukki district Collector Dinesan Cheruvat, second from right, regarding the safety and basic amenities for pilgrims who will visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple from the first day of the Tamil month of Karthigai until the Makarajyothi held at Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady in Kerala, on 23 October 2026
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Ahead of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, officials from Tamil Nadu and Keralam held a meeting in Thekkady on Friday (October 23, 2026) regarding the safety and basic amenities for the pilgrims travelling to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple.
The meeting was presided over by Theni Collector V. Sivakrishnamurthy, Idukki Collector Dinesan Cheruvat, and other officials. A large number of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Keralam, and other states across India are expected to visit the temple during this period.
The officials discussed the measures to be taken regarding parking arrangements for pilgrims without obstructing traffic. Pilgrims have been advised to ensure that decorations, such as portraits or garlands, placed on their vehicles do not cover the number plates.
The vehicles should not be overloaded with pilgrims. Pilgrims were also asked to strictly follow traffic regulations and utilise designated alternative routes as instructed. Temporary permits for vehicles could be obtained through the mParivahan App. Drivers arriving from long distances have been advised to take adequate rest.
Devotees planning to visit for a darshan should get permission through the online booking process. Additionally, arrangements have been made for ‘on-the-spot’ registration at Valadi.
Green check-posts would be set up at the borders in order to prevent people from carrying prohibited plastic items and awareness signboards would be placed in appropriate locations against the use of highly flammable materials in forest areas. Devotees have been strictly prohibited from bathing in waterbodies.
To ensure the safety of devotees, police personnel would be deployed on a rotational basis. Cumbum and Gudalur Municipalities would provide drinking water facilities and mobile toilets for the devotees. Gudalur municipality would deploy sanitation staff at the Tamil Nadu border to maintain hygiene and cleanliness.
The Health Department would station medical teams and ambulances and The Fire and Rescue Services Department would deploy fire tenders along with trained rescue personnel.
Published – October 24, 2026 01:47 pm IST
