Doors of Sabarimala Temple opened; devotees can offer prayers till 10:30pm

Gates of the Sabarimala temple have been opened for the first time since Supreme Court lifted an age old ban on women of menstruating age from offering prayers inside the temple. Heavy security has been deployed outside the temple. Despite that, vandals have attacked a number of women, including journalists trying to reach Pamba. The protesters also took to stone pelting and vandalising vehicles. As many as 11 protesters have been arrested. The protesters who claim that the celibate status of Ayyappa needs to be protected are in open rebellion against the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court said that devotion should not and cannot exclude faith, the protesters say that they won't compromise on their faith.