Date:24/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/24/stories/2002122405910400.htm

Southern States - Kerala

Heavy rush at Sabarimala

By Our Staff Reporter

PATHANAMTHITTA Dec. 23. The Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala today witnessed heavy rush and the police had to block the pilgrims at Pampa for some time in the evening to ease the congestion on the trekking path.

According to the police, the holy hillock had been witnessing unprecedented rush since the past two days and the pilgrims had to wait in queues that extended beyond the Sabaripeetom on the trekking path.

The TDB public relations officer, Mohan Perinad said the devotees had to wait for more than seven hours in the queue for the holy darshan today due to the heavy rush.

Meanwhile, there were allegations of fleecing of pilgrims at the eateries and teashops at Nilackal. The shopkeepers have been reportedly charging Rs. 5 to 7 for a small glass of tea and not to speak of the soaring price of other items at these shops. There were also reports of brisk trade in illicit liquor at the Nilackal parking lots.