Amid threats of “mass suicides” and disruption, the famous Sabarimala Temple in Kerala will open its doors on Wednesday evening at 5 pm —  including for women devotees of all ages. Tensions are running high in Kerala as the gates to the hill shrine will be opened for the first time since the Supreme Court lifted the age-old entry ban on women in the 10-50 age group.
Two women who tried to undertake the 5-km trek from the base camp at Pamba river were forced to return after walking for a few metres. Several women journalists were attacked and protesters pelted stoned at media vehicles in Nilackal.