Pathanamthitta: The Global Ayyappa Sangamam is set to begin at Pampa on Saturday, aiming to make Sabarimala a global pilgrimage destination. The ₹7 crore event is fully funded through sponsorships. Only pass holders are allowed entry, and representatives must carry the passes issued to them.

Registration opened at 6 am. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to formally inaugurate the main event at Pampa Triveni at 9.30 am. Panel discussions across three stages will begin at 11.30 am. Around 3,500 representatives are expected to participate, including attendees from 15 foreign countries.

Unlike traditional review meetings held solely by officials at Pampa, this is the first time representatives from multiple sectors are assembling to discuss Sabarimala development. 

Strict security is in place in and around Pampa. ADGP S Sreejith has deployed 1,000 police personnel to ensure the safety of participants and devotees.

Panel discussions

Discussions will cover three key topics:

  • Main stage: Sabarimala development master plan
  • Hilltop pandal: Crowd management
  • Sreerama Saketham Auditorium: Spiritual tourism

The Devaswom Board will use the outcomes of these discussions to plan future development work. Former Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar will lead the Master Plan panel, former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister T.K.A. Nair will handle spiritual tourism, and Retired DGP Jacob Punnoose will lead crowd management.

Notable attendees, criticism and non-participation

The inaugural event will see participation from key leaders, including Sabarimala thantri Mahesh Mohanaru, NSS Vice President N. Sangeeth Kumar, SNDP Yogam General Secretary Vellappally Natesan, KPMS General Secretary Punnala Sreekumar, Malayaraya Samajam General Secretary P.K. Sajeev, Kerala Brahmana Sabha General Secretary Karimpuzha Raman, and Swami Prabodha Theertha of Sivagiri Mutt.

Minister VN Vasavan said that representatives willing to contribute financially towards Sabarimala development will have their offers accepted. Invitations sent to Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Suresh Gopi, George Kurian, and MP Anto Antony went unanswered. He added that central assistance for projects like Vizhinjam Port and Kochi Metro indicates the government is not turning away from Sabarimala development. Tamil Nadu ministers P.K. Sekar Babu and Palanivel Thiagarajan will attend.

The Sangamam has drawn criticism, with UDF, BJP, and Sangh Parivar organisations opting out, alleging politicisation. Representatives from Pandalam Palace will also not participate.

Facilities for devotees and participants

Arrangements ensure devotees visiting Sabarimala are not inconvenienced. Representatives who wish to have Ayyappa darshan during the Sangamam will be accommodated.

The main stage spans 38,500 sq ft and seats 3,000 in an air-conditioned German pandal with a green room, media room, VIP lounge, and separate VIP dining area. The hilltop pandal for crowd management discussions includes meal arrangements for 5,000 representatives, prepared by Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri.