Fog fails to dampen Ayyappa devotees’ spirits at Pullumedu

A group of people from Kerala and other states gathered at Pullumedu Parunthumpara and Panchalimedu in Idukki to witness the Makara Vilakku (festival of the fish) Jyothi (light show) on Makaravilakku day. Ayyappa devotees who had taken up positions at these viewpoints several hours before the Jyothi was seen at 645pm bowed and chanted saranam mantras. A total of 5528 devotees reached Pullumedu to witness the Jyothi after the Covid Pandemic. This was the first time devotees were allowed entry to Pullumedu for the Makaravilakku. Though there were disturbances in vision due to the fog at Pullumedu, devotees witnessed the Jyothi with utmost devotion. After witnessing the Jyothi, the pilgrims started leaving the place by 7pm as many as 1400 police personnel and 155 forest officials were on duty for controlling the traffic and for the safety of the devotees. Since the Pullumedu stampede in 2011, in which more than 100 devotees lost their lives, the number of devotees reaching Pullumedu has been strictly regulated.