Tamil Nadu and Keralam Officials Meet to Plan Sabarimala Pilgrimage Arrangements

Officials from Tamil Nadu and Keralam met in Thekkady to discuss safety and basic facilities for pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The coordination committee meeting took place on October 23, 2026, and was led by Theni Collector V. Sivakrishnamurthy and Idukki Collector Dinesan Cheruvat.

Transport and Travel Rules

Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Keralam, and other states are expected to visit from the first day of the Tamil month of Karthigai until the Makarajyothi at Periyar Tiger Reserve. Officials discussed parking plans to keep traffic clear. Vehicle number plates must remain uncovered by garlands or portraits, and vehicles must not carry too many people. Drivers coming from far away should rest properly, and temporary vehicle permits are available on the mParivahan App.

Facilities and Safety

Devotees need online booking for darshan, though spot registration is available at Valadi. Green check-posts at borders will stop banned plastic items, and signboards will warn against using flammable materials in forest areas. Bathing in waterbodies is strictly banned. Police will work in rotation, while Cumbum and Gudalur Municipalities will set up drinking water and mobile toilets. Gudalur will also place sanitation staff at the border, the Health Department will provide medical teams and ambulances, and the Fire and Rescue Services will deploy fire tenders and rescue workers.

Context

Large annual religious gatherings require close coordination between neighboring states to manage crowd safety, traffic, and basic public services. The Sabarimala pilgrimage attracts millions of devotees across southern India, making cross-border administrative planning essential.