The Makaravilakku festival will follow after a break from December 30, concluding on January 20. The main highlight of Makaravilakku darshan falls on January 15.
SABARIMALA (Kerala), Nov 16: The Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa,
opened on November 15 evening beginning the annual Mandala, Makaravilakku festivals
that last about two months. The Mandala pilgrimage formally began on Saturday
morning and will continue until December 26.
The Makaravilakku festival will follow after a break from December 30, concluding
on January 20. The main highlight of Makaravilakku darshan falls on January
15.
Millions of devotees from Kerala and neighbouring States throng the hill temple
atop the Western Ghats for darshan of the Lord during the festivals. Extensive
arrangements have been made by the Government to facilitate a smooth pilgrimage.
Arun Kumar Namboothiri, the new chief priest, opened the sanctum sanctorum
at 3 am on Saturday, marking the start of the pilgrimage coinciding with the
beginning of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam.
Temple timings: The temple will remain open for 18 hours daily in two phases,
3 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 11 pm. Online registration has been introduced to control
the crowds.
All about Sabarimala temple
