Sensitise Sabarimala pilgrims to ill effects of chemical kumkum, Kerala HC tells TDB

The Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to sensitise Sabarimala pilgrims to the ill effects of chemical kumkum and prohibited plastic items, through print and digital media platforms, ahead of the next pilgrimage season.

It went on to close suo motu proceedings initiated in this regard. Citing ecological concerns, the High Court had earlier issued an order curbing the sale of shampoo sachets and chemical vermilion (kumkum) at Sabarimala. This was after the court was informed that the vermilion that used to be made using traditional methods had over the years been replaced by chemical substitute. This was sprayed on the bodies of people who performed ‘pettathullal’. Shampoos stored in plastic sachets and detergents were then used for its removal.