Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival 2024: Sabarimala Temple To Open For Annual Pilgrimage Today, Know Details

Sabarimala pilgrimage: Makaravilakku day, on January 15, is the season’s main event, drawing pilgrims from across the nation.

The revered Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, opens its doors on the evening of Friday, November 15, 2024, marking the beginning of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. This pilgrimage season, which draws millions from Kerala and nearby states, is a time of deep spiritual significance for devotees.

Mandala-Makaravilakku festival

Starting at 1 PM on Friday, devotees caan begin their ascent from Pampa to Sannidhanam as the temple prepares to open at 4 PM for the season, as reported by Asianet. Newly appointed Melshantis (head priests) will assume their duties, while the Mandala pilgrimage officially commences on November 16 and will extend through December 26.

The journey will culminate in a special ritual where the deity is adorned with the “thanka anki” (golden ornaments) from the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple.

During the Mandala season, darshan timings will be from 3 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 11 PM. Following this, the second phase, the Makaravilakku festival, will begin on December 30 and conclude on January 20, 2025.

Makaravilakku day, on January 15, is the season’s main event, drawing pilgrims from across the nation.

Preparations At Sabarimala 

Kerala police have assured devotees of smooth and safe darshan arrangements for the entire pilgrimage season. After reviewing preparations, state police chief Sheikh Darvesh Sahib confirmed that extensive measures are in place, particularly at key points like Pampa, Sannidhanam, and Nilakkal, to facilitate the pilgrimage experience, as reported by PTI.

Sahib emphasized that the police see their role at Sabarimala as a service to humanity.

Addressing critical concerns, he outlined strategies to address issues such as tracing missing persons, preventing pickpocketing and mobile thefts, and curbing psychotropic substance sales. Traffic management has been enhanced, and unauthorized parking along main roads will be strictly prohibited. Special food and lodging facilities have been arranged for police officers on duty.

In a public advisory, the police department requested all devotees to adhere to guidelines issued by the authorities to ensure a safe and peaceful pilgrimage season.