Kottayam: The Hindu Aikya Vedi has urged the Devaswom Board to ensure essential rest and food facilities for all pilgrims at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Currently, pilgrims ascending the hill after the closure of temple doors, lack proper facilities, forcing them to wait in various areas until dawn. According to the Hindu Aikya Vedi spokesperson, ES Biju, there are no resting facilities available on the Vadakke Nada (North door), Malikappuram (goddess shrine), Nadapanthal (a covered corridor for pilgrims to reach the shrine), and other open spaces, all of which have been cordoned off by the police.
Expressing concern, Biju stated, “Pilgrims will face hardships during the rainy season. Despite claims of implementing smooth plans for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the government and Devaswom Board have failed to provide even basic facilities.” Criticizing the Board’s restriction on devotee organizations offering food at Sannidhanam and Pamba, Biju highlighted that the Board only provides food for 2,500 pilgrims daily at Sannidhanam, and this service has been outsourced. He alleged that the Board’s move to ban devotee organizations was intended to favour the hotel lobby at Sabarimala, where 90,000 to 100,000 devotees visit daily.
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