Pathanamthitta: Over 4,000 people joined Kerala government’s Global Ayyappa Sangam at Pamba on Saturday, marking the Travancore Devaswom Board’s (TDB) 75th anniversary.

Devaswoms Minister V N Vasavan said 4,126 delegates attended, more than half from outside the state. This included 182 international representatives, the highest being 39 from Sri Lanka. From Kerala, 1,819 people participated. Delegates discussed Sabarimala’s master plan, crowd control, pilgrim facilities, and the creation of a pilgrimage tourism circuit. 

At the Sangam, Vasavan read out a message from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

“Lord Ayyappa is the divine protector of dharma. His worship illuminates the path of righteous living and inspires devotees to promote and preserve satvik values,” Adityanath said. He also stressed harmony, inclusivity, and unity, adding: “In this perspective, the Global Ayyappa Sangam assumes much significance.”

However, the BJP dismissed the conclave as a “political showpiece” by the CPM-led LDF ahead of next year’s assembly elections. State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said devotees had stayed away, unwilling to “accept the Pinarayi government’s politicking in the name of the meet.”

Counter Event

In contrast, Sabarimala Karma Samithi, an umbrella organisation of groups that campaigned against the entry of women to Sabarimala, will hold a ‘Sabarimala Protection Sangamam’ on Monday at Pandalam, pitched as a counter-event. Tamil Nadu’s former BJP state president K Annamalai will inaugurate the programme. According to Indian Express, around 1,000 delegates are expected, along with the erstwhile Pandalam royal family, which holds a traditional role in Sabarimala rituals.

The royal family had stayed away from the government’s Pamba event, citing rituals following the death of two members. Their participation in the counter-event adds a major dimension. Karma Samithi general convener SJR Kumar told Indian Express that Yogi Adityanath had also sent greetings for their event. “He is unable to attend our event due to his official schedule,” Kumar said.

The day-long programme, themed ‘Faith with Development’, will be held at Nanak Convention Centre in Pandalam. It will focus on Sabarimala’s faith, development, and security, and will include sanyasis, temple officials, Hindu organisations, Ayyappa devotee groups, and experts from India and abroad.

Alongside the seminar, a large congregation of devotees will gather at Kaippuzha in Kulathupuzha panchayat. With a seating capacity of 5,000, the venue will host sanyasis and Hindu organisation office-bearers.