Woman runs Sabarimala Devaswom mess in historic first

Sabarimala: A woman entrepreneur has secured the contract to run the Devaswom mess at Sabarimala for the first time, providing meals for Devaswom officials and other staff. The contract for this season was won through a competitive tender by Sudha Pazayamadam (54), a native of Thevalakkara in Kollam district.

Originally a homemaker, Sudha began her catering journey in 2006 by starting a unit under the Kudumbashree programme to supply midday meals to government offices. She later expanded the venture and took on responsibility for catering at various government functions. After expanding the business under the name ‘Quality’, she was able to cater for larger events.

Sudha had visited Sabarimala as a pilgrim last year. On learning about the mess tender this year, she decided to submit a bid.

At the Sannidhanam alone, Sudha is responsible for serving three meals a day to around 5,000 people. In addition, she oversees food services for about 2,000 people at Pampa and 1,500 at Nilakkal. Leading a workforce of nearly 100 staff for procurement and cooking, Sudha is present at the Devaswom mess at the Sannidhanam round the clock. She arrived when the Mandala season began and will return home only after the Makaravilakku festival.

Sudha said that providing food during the Mandala season to people serving at Sabarimala across various sectors is a major challenge. In the initial days, a slight shortfall in the quantity of food prepared led to complaints. However, she said she treated this as a challenge and was able to run the mess without complaints from the following days onwards.

Sudha’s son, Sangeeth Pazayamadam, a social worker, is supporting her in the venture. Her husband, Vijayan Pillai, was an expatriate, and her daughter is Dr Swathi S Pillai.