Virtual queue glitch sparks row ahead of Global Ayyappa Sangamam

Even as it moves forward with its plan to host the Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pampa on September 20, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) found itself in another controversy following allegations of attempts to regulate the booking of virtual queue slots for darshan at the Sabarimala hill shrine.

The controversy stemmed from reports that devotees who tried to book slots in the virtual queue for September 19 and 20, coinciding with the five-day monthly pujas, were unable to complete the process due to glitches on the booking website. Adding to the confusion, there were also reports suggesting moves to regulate room bookings at Sannidhanam during these days to accommodate invited guests attending the Global Ayyappa Sangamam.

The reports quickly triggered a row, with the TDB being accused of attempting to restrict the entry of pilgrims to facilitate the Sangamam.

Rectified: TDB

The TDB, however, has dismissed the allegations. “There was a minor technical issue with the website, which caused problems with virtual queue bookings. The issue was rectified as soon as it came to our notice,” clarified a board official.

The Sabarimala hill shrine is scheduled to open for the monthly pujas from the evening of September 16 to September 21.