Taking children to Sabarimala trek? Police urge this must-wear safety device for every kid

In a thoughtful move to keep young pilgrims safe, the police have introduced a new safety armband for children visiting Sabarimala this mandala-makaravilakku season. The initiative aims to prevent children from getting lost among the huge crowds that gather at the hilltop shrine every day, officials said Sunday.

According to the police, every child under the age of ten in Pamba is given an armband. The tape includes the child’s name and the mobile phone number of the guardian traveling with him; This makes it easier for authorities or pilgrims to help if the child becomes separated.

The armband also has a QR code that stores the child’s details and allows police to quickly track the parents using digital information.
Officers explained that the system not only speeds up reunions but also gives parents peace of mind during the long and often crowded journey to the shrine.

They urged parents to ensure that the band remains on throughout the Hajj and is removed only after the child is safely returned to the vehicle.

The mandala-makaravilakku season, which started on November 16, will continue until January next year. As many as 70,000 pilgrims, mostly children, visit Sabarimala every day, making crowd safety a top priority. Sabarimala is a famous hill temple located in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. Located deep within the Periyar Tiger Reserve, at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters above sea level, this site requires pilgrims to undertake a long trek from Pamba. Devotees from all over India visit the temple to worship Lord Ayyappa, especially during the mandala-makaravilakku season.

Inputs from PTI