Sabarimala to reopen from November 15 for Makar Sankranti

As Sabarimala reopens for the Mandala-Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti) festival on November 15, Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Sunday said elaborate arrangements had been made for pilgrims in order to combat the possible spread of Covid-19.

The hill shrine of Sabarimala would be opened for Mandala-Makaravilakku (Makar Sankranti), which last for two months, on Monday evening and the public would be allowed to pay obeisance from Tuesday. Also read | PMAY-G: PM transfers first instalment to 1.47 lakh beneficiaries in Tripura The temple would remain open till December 26 for Mandalapooja. The temple would again be opened on December 30 and darshan would be allowed till January 20 for Makaravilakku festival. The minister said all health services had been put in place by preparing an action plan in October. "At the state level, special meetings were convened in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts to coordinate the activities. Health Department officials are being deployed at treatment centres from Pamba to Sannidhanam. The services of expert doctors from medical colleges are ensured in Pamba and Sannidhanam. These centres will be operational from Monday," she added. Veena George said emergency medical centres and oxygen parlours were being set up at five places along the journey from Pamba to Sannidhanam. "If pilgrims have any health problems such as excessive heartbeat, shortness of breath or chest pain during the journey to the temple, one should seek treatment at the nearest centre immediately. Trained staff nurses and other medical facilities are available at these centres 24 hours a day," she added. Also read | Maharashtra: Before stealing cash box from temple, thief touched God’s feet; video viral The Health Minister said specialised dispensaries had been set up at Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal, Charalmedu (Ayyappan Road) and Erumeli. "There will also be an emergency operation theatre at Sannidhanam. Ventilators have been installed at Pampa and Sannidhanam. Apart from this, facilities have been provided at major government hospitals in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts. The mobile medical team have been set up. Free ambulance service is also available for patients in need of specialist medical care," she added. -PTC News