Around seven months after it was closed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the doors of Sabarimala temple were thrown open for devotees from Friday, albeit with certain restrictions. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has made it mandatory to carry a COVID-19 negative certificate while visiting the temple, while only 250 people are being allowed for darshan (visit) per day.

Adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, devotees have started thronging the temple. As per the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), only 250 people will be allowed on a single day and booking will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis. A queue portal for the booking has been opened for the public.