NOB-Sabarimala news: The Forest Department will issue special passes on 18.12.2025, to devotees who reach the Sabarimala shrine via the traditional (Periyapatham) forest route through Erumeli. These passes will be distributed at Mukuli. Devotees have long been demanding the issuance of special passes, and the government has taken this decision in response. Devotees who walked more than 50 kilometers to reach the Sannidhanam often had to stand in queues for hours. The introduction of special passes will alleviate these difficulties. Devotees coming through the forest route will be directed through special queues from Marakkoottam via Chandranandan Road and Nadapandal. This will allow them to directly climb the 18 sacred steps. This system will come into effect at the Sannidhanam from 18.12.202.