Increase in darshan timing a boon for pilgrims

SABARIMALA: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) decision to increase the darshan timing at Lord Ayyappa temple here will reduce the hardships being faced by the thousands of pilgrims who stand in long queues for hours on the trekking path. The increase in the darshan timing of the temple by 2.45 hours from 16 hours to 18.45 hours a day is good news for the pilgrims. The increase in timing has resulted in limiting the number of days the queues crossing Saramkuthi to only three during the first week of the on-going season; on the first day of the Mandalam season day of November 17, November 19 and November 21. However, the queue crossed Saramkuthi in six out of seven days during the same period during the last Mandalam season. In addition, none of seven days of the first week of the on-going season witnessed the full capacity of five lanes at the Valiya Nadappandal at Sannidhanam.The other aspect of the increased darshan timing was the telling effect on the thantri, melsanthi and other santhis, by forcing them to curtail their rest time. The temple duty staff members of the TDB, including those who on Sopanam duty, are forced to work continuously without any rest.TDB Denies Permission: The Thiruvambadi Krishna Bhakthajana Sangham in Thrissur, who offers free food for pilgrims at Pampa for the last several years, were denied permission to distribute free food for  pilgrims on November 28.