Bengaluru
The Karnataka government has requested strong cooperation from Kerala to ensure a safe and smooth journey for thousands of devotees travelling for the annual Sabarimala pilgrimage.
In a formal letter, Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajneesh responded to Kerala Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilaka, stressing the importance of proper support for pilgrims from Karnataka who visit Lord Ayyappa’s shrine every year between November and January.
A large number of devotees from Karnataka use key entry routes while travelling to Sabarimala, and this creates heavy movement, especially during peak days. The letter highlights the need for Kerala to make proper transport arrangements along these routes so that traffic moves without major delays. It also asks for close coordination with health officials to set up medical help centres and quick emergency response teams at important locations and transport hubs.
To ensure safety, Karnataka has requested Kerala to strengthen police presence in crowded or sensitive areas. The letter also suggests creating help desks or information centres that offer guidance in multiple languages, including Kannada, so that pilgrims can easily understand instructions, seek help, and follow procedures. Setting up a special liaison centre in Kerala has also been proposed to make communication between both states easier, especially during emergencies or unexpected situations.
Karnataka has expressed appreciation for the cooperation Kerala has extended during previous pilgrimage seasons. The letter ends by stating that with continued support and coordination, this year’s Sabarimala Yatra can be peaceful, well-managed, and spiritually fulfilling for all devotees travelling from Karnataka.
