Sabarimala Footfall Tops 25 Lakh as Forest-Route Treks Surge

Overview

• TDB reports 1,02,338 pilgrims have used forest paths so far, including 37,059 via Azhuthakadavu–Pamba and 64,776 via the Sathram trail, with daily averages of roughly 1,500–2,500 and 4,000–5,000 respectively.
• Overall turnout this season has crossed 25 lakh, according to the police chief coordinator’s update on December 15.
• Up to December 13, 23,47,554 devotees reached the shrine via the Pamba–Sabarimala path, and current arrivals average about 80,000 a day.
• Food Safety squads have conducted 328 inspections at Pamba and 302 at Sannidhanam, issuing rectification and compounding notices and levying ₹30,000 in fines.
• Authorities expect forest-route traffic to rise further in the coming days, with police urging adherence to virtual queue dates and preparing for a late-December rush ahead of the December 27 Mandala pooja.