Extensive preparations are done for the January 14 Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala, officials said on Wednesday. Minister for Devaswom V.N. Vasavan said the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) have teamed up to ensure the festival runs smoothly and devotees face no hardships. Arrangements for devotees’ comfort and tight security are ready. The Transport Department announced that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will run 900 buses to carry pilgrims to Pampa during the festival. TDB president K. Jayakumar said strong action will stop illegal trading of passes and rooms common during Makaravilakku. Except for rooms set aside for donors and government use, all will be managed via an online booking system starting January 10. Devotees will need to show ID proofs to get rooms. He also said illegal sales of passes to view Makaravilakku will be curbed. "We cannot ignore such trends as they cause hardships to the devotees and create a bad name for Sabarimala," Mr. Jayakumar said. The government plans to deploy extra police and volunteers this year, added Minister Vasavan.