Rain causes slight disruptions to Sabarimala pilgrimage in Kerala

Heavy rain and a landslip-triggered road blockade caused minor disruptions to the Sabarimala pilgrimage on Monday (August 3, 2026), forcing authorities to impose temporary restrictions on devotees travelling to the hill temple for the annual Nira Puthari festival.

Pilgrims travelling from Nilackal were temporarily stopped following reports of a landslip at Attathodu, while those arriving through Erumely also faced entry curbs. The restrictions were imposed as a precaution amid continuing heavy rain in the Sabarimala forests.

The downpour, which began on Sunday evening, continued through the night and into the early hours of Monday. Although the rain eased intermittently during the afternoon and stopped briefly, it resumed later in the day.

With the Pampa river flowing in spate, authorities prohibited pilgrims from entering the river for bathing as a safety measure.