The annual pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple has witnessed unprecedented attendance this year, with reports indicating 2.9 million devotees made their way to the sacred site over just 37 days. This figure marks an increase of 450,000 compared to the previous year, showcasing the growing interest and devotion of people during the traditional pilgrimage season.
The temple opened its doors on November 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM, welcoming thousands of devotees. Previous seasons had seen individuals waiting for up to 36 hours along roadsides and paths, raising significant concerns from various state governments. This year, local authorities took substantial steps to alleviate the chaos—expediting the transportation of devotees through 18 designated routes and deploying specially trained police personnel to manage the large crowds efficiently.
Thanks to these efforts, this season is noted for its smoother operations, as highlighted by officials who stated, “Thank the Devaswam Board for the appropriate preparation and integrated actions of the Kerala government departments.” This organized approach has led to fewer complaints compared to earlier years, with many attendees enjoying their pilgrimage without excessive delays.
Further underscoring the engagement and spirit of locals, the Dhinamalar student edition hosted interactive quiz competitions aimed at enhancing students’ scientific aptitude and language skills. This initiative involved students from 65 schools across Coimbatore city, fostering learning and competition among youth in the area. The quiz formats not only inspired teamwork but also positioned learning as engaging and competitive.
Students from the municipal school performed impressively, advancing to the semifinals alongside their peers. These competitions were driven by the participation of over 167 students. The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, as future rounds promise to bring more rigorous intellectual challenges.
Another cultural highlight has been the vibrant Kolam competitions, known for showcasing traditional South Indian art. Organized at various locales, including apartment complexes, these events brought together women of all ages to celebrate creativity. Participants decorated spaces with colorful Rangoli and Kolam designs, with the backdrop of both competitive spirit and community bonding.
Abdoorva, one of the participants, shared her thoughts after winning, stating, “I created this Kolam to promote awareness about environmental issues and the need for planting trees.” This sentiment echoes among many competitors who aim to intertwine art with important social messages, illustrating the power of cultural displays to invoke change. The judging panels were impressed by the thematic depth and artistic flair exhibited by the contestants.
While the celebrations continued, not all news was uplifting. Kadeswara Subramaniyam, leader of the Hindu Front Tamil Nadu, issued stark warnings about the missing documents related to cases involving the smuggling of 41 statues valued at ₹300 crores. Reports surfaced indicating these sensitive documents had reportedly gone missing from police stations, raising serious concerns about record-keeping and investigations within the state's law enforcement.
The Supreme Court has taken notice of these issues, reprimanding the Tamil Nadu government for the oversight and demanding accountability. Such revelations have set off waves of public outrage, as many feel there is little transparency or reliability from state institutions.
This round-up highlights the coexistence of vibrant cultural practices and pressing societal issues. On one hand, there’s the spirit of engagement and devotion evident through the influx of Sabarimala pilgrims and colorful Kolam displays. Conversely, the serious matters around governance and accountability call for immediate attention from the authorities. Tamil Nadu stands at a crossroads of rich heritage and pressing reform, illustrating the diverse thread of its social fabric.
