Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in the Legislative Assembly that pilgrims visiting Sabarimala without prior online registration will be permitted darshan during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season. The decision follows protests by various Hindu organizations and the Opposition UDF, who opposed the government's earlier move to make online booking mandatory for all pilgrims.

Vijayan emphasized that spot booking had been allowed in previous years, and similar arrangements would be made this season. The initial push for mandatory online registration aimed to cap the number of visitors at 80,000, enhancing crowd control and ensuring safety.

A meeting between the Chief Minister, Travancore Devaswom Board, Police, and District Administration focused on crowd management and improved facilities for pilgrims. The virtual queue system, introduced in 2011 and modelled after Tirupati’s temple system, will continue to be strengthened. This system allows authorities to maintain a digital record of pilgrims, enhancing safety and helping locate individuals in case of emergencies.

While the virtual queue system remains central to safety measures, Vijayan confirmed that those without prior booking would not be turned away, ensuring all devotees have access to the pilgrimage.