Pathanamthitta: The Sabarimala temple would open for the monthly rituals on October 16 at 5 pm. Regular rituals would start from October 17, the first day of Malayalam month 'Thulam', and on the day of opening, there will be no ritual. Devotees are allowed entry from October 17 to 21.
The draw to select the chief priest (Melshanthi) for the temple would be held on October 17. Nine priests are shortlisted for the position and Panthalam palace's child representative will pick one from the lot. After that, the draw to find the Malikappuram chief priest would also be held.
Devotees will have to book their entry through the virtual queue system mandatorily. In addition, devotees are required to have either a two-dose vaccination certificate or negative RT-PCR certificate.
The hill shrine would be closed on October 21 and would reopen for the 'Aatta Chithira' festival on November 2. Later, the temple would be closed on November 3.
