KOCHI: As part of efforts to control the heavy rush at Sabarimala, the number of spot bookings has been reduced to 5,000 per day. This restriction will remain in place until Monday. The Devaswom Bench issued the directive while considering various petitions related to Sabarimala. Earlier, the High Court had sharply criticised the Devaswom Board for failing to make proper arrangements for the Mandala–Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.

Unrestricted spot booking had led to an uncontrollable crowd at Sabarimala. Following this, the number of spot bookings was first reduced to 20,000. To avoid congestion at the Pampa spot-booking counters, it was also decided to open seven additional counters at Nilakkal. However, the court has now ordered that only 5,000 spot bookings be allowed each day until

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