Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Temples Prepare for Festivals Amid Security Concerns
Several temples in India are preparing for major festivals.
The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple opened for the Makaravilakku festival, with special arrangements for crowd management.
The Tirumala temple is under tight security for Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi, with police ensuring devotee safety.
In Nellore, Mukkoti Ekadasi was celebrated grandly, with heavy crowds at various Vishnu temples.
Authorities have made elaborate arrangements to prevent stampedes and ensure smooth darshan for all devotees.
However, there have been incidents of vandalism and misconduct at some temples, such as the Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple, where a century-old Shiva Lingam was smashed.
The government has promised strict action against any negligence or wrongdoing in temples and has taken steps to enhance security and prevent such incidents in the future.
These festivals are important religious events, and the temples are taking extra steps to make sure everyone has a safe and good experience.
Sabarimala Ayyappa temple opened for the annual Makaravilakku festival with elaborate crowd management arrangements.
Tirumala temple is under tight security for Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi, with police ensuring devotee safety through measures like the Geo-Tag system.
Mukkoti Ekadasi was celebrated grandly in Nellore district, with heavy crowds at various Vishnu temples and special arrangements to prevent stampedes.
Over 33 lakh pilgrims visited Sabarimala during the Mandala season, with lakhs more expected for Makaravilakku.
Authorities in all locations emphasized safety and security measures to ensure smooth darshan for devotees, while also addressing incidents of vandalism and misconduct at other temples.
- Who
- Devotees, temple authorities, police officials, and government ministers
- What
- Preparations and celebrations for major religious festivals at various temples, along with incidents of vandalism and misconduct
- When
- Tuesday and upcoming festival dates
- Where
- Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Tirumala, Nellore district, Draksharamam, Nandyal, and Simhachalam
- Why
- To ensure safe and smooth darshan for devotees during significant religious events and to address incidents of negligence and wrongdoing in temples
- Event 1
- Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple
- Event 2
- Vaikunta Ekadasi and Dwadasi at Tirumala
- Event 3
- Mukkoti Ekadasi in Nellore district
- Opening Time (Sabarimala)
- 5 p.m. on Tuesday
- Makaravilakku Date
- January 14, 2026
- Temple Reopening (Sabarimala)
- After a two-day break following Mandala season
- Spot Booking Slots (Sabarimala)
- 5,000 capped, 70,000 virtual queue bookings
- Pilgrim Count (Sabarimala)
- Over 33 lakh during Mandala season
- Key Officials (Sabarimala)
- Melsanthi E.D. Prasad, Tantri Mahesh Mohanaru
- Minister (Sabarimala)
- V N Vasavan
- Security Measures (Tirumala)
- Geo-Tag (Child Tag) system for devotee safety
- Notable Temple (Nellore)
- Sri Talpagiri Ranganatha Swamy temple
- Minister (Nellore)
- Ponguru Narayana
- Incident 1
- Draksharamam Bhimeswara Temple vandalism
- Incident 2
- Fake silver articles at Nandyal temple
- Incident 3
- Prasadam counter employee misconduct at Simhachalam
- Devotee Count (Vaikuntha Ekadasi)
- 7.62 lakh this year, up from 5.40 lakh last year
- Lucky Dip Tokens (Tirumala)
- 68,000 devotees
Sources
Vaikuntha Ekadasi Draws Thousands to Temples in Nellore, Prakasam
Sabarimala Opens For Makaravilakku Festival
Vaikunta Ekadasi Eve Draws to Tirumala VVIPs and Celebrities
Devotees Throng Yadagirigutta Temple For Vaikunta Dwara Darshan
Telangana Temples Overflow With Devotees on Vaikunta Ekadasi
Devotion Sweeps Temples Across AP For Vaikuntha Ekadasi
Tight security for Vaikunta Ekadasi-Dwadasi
Mukkoti Ekadasi celebrated with grandeur
Devotion marks Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebrations
Grand celebrations at Vaishnava Temples
Surekha offers prayers to Lord Venkateswara
Devotee rush at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple
Vaikunta Ekadashi celebrated with fervour at BH Hare Krishna temple
Grandeur marks Swarna Ratham procession
Chenchu devotees to have free Sparsha Darshan at srisailam temple
Celestial gates open: City celebrates Vaikuntha Ekadashi with spiritual zeal
Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam begins with grandeur at Tirumala
Vaikuntha Ekadasi observed with religious fervour
No Leniency in Temple Lapses, Strict Action Inevitable: Anam
Andhra Pradesh: Century-old Shiva Lingam smashed at Draksharamam Temple, accused arrested