Sabarimala gears up for Makaravilakku: Crowd limits, safety 1st

India Jan 10, 2026

Heading to Sabarimala for the big Makaravilakku festival on January 13 or 14?
The temple is capping entries—only those with virtual queue bookings (35,000 on Jan 13, 30,000 on Jan 14) get in.
It's all about keeping things smooth and safe for everyone.

What's changing this year?

Traffic is tightly managed: after 9am no vehicles from Nilackal to Pampa; Pampa-hill road closes after 10am on Jan 14; and parking at Pampa stops from Jan 12.
If you're waiting your turn, expect barricades, better lighting, loads of water points (with taps at 100 spots!), and even free food at Pandithavalam—though cooking at waiting areas isn't allowed.
Forest officials have also cleared spaces and banned temporary huts to keep things comfortable and safe.