50 pilgrims at a time in Sabarimala as lockdown norms eased

Thiruvananthapuram, June 5 (IANS) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that following the easing of lockdown norms from Monday, places of worship will also be opened, but they will have to operate under strict guidelines."At Sabarimala, only 50 pilgrims will be allowed at a time and all those who wish to visit, have to book their time on the present Virtual Q system," he said.The online booking system has been in operation for a while and in June, the hilltop temple will now be opened for pilgrims at 5 p.m. on June 14 and it will close at 10 p.m. on June 19.More clarity is required on this as from the Pamba base camp, begins the nearly 4 km long trek to the temple.The Travancore Devasom Board, the custodian of the temple, is expected to come out with the necessary guidelines.
--IANS sq/vd