Pathanamthitta, Kerala: Ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season this year, Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple is set to implement its first-ever structured training programme for staff deployed at key pilgrimage points such as Pampa and Nilakkal.

Officials emphasised that many personnel currently report for duty only a few days before the pilgrimage, often without adequate understanding of the protocols in place at the temple.

To ensure a professional and efficient operation, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will soon appoint a consultant to conduct the training. The programme is scheduled to be completed before October, according to a calendar prepared by TDB. All staff members, except those involved in ritual-specific duties, will undergo comprehensive training.

A preliminary session introducing TDB and the temple budget will be held on 20 April. Subsequent training for Sabarimala duty staff will take place at the Devaswom Board headquarters in Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram. The High Court has granted approval for this training initiative.

Sabarimala festival office to open on April 15

For coordinated preparations, the Sabarimala Festival Office at Pampa will commence operations on 15 April. Meetings addressing Sabarimala-related agendas will be held at this office, located in a building adjacent to the Pampa Maintenance Complex.

Also read| Sabarimala gold theft not isolated? RTI reveals multiple temple losses in Kerala

Expert committee to advise on infrastructure and crowd management

Following the High Court’s directive, the Devaswom Board will soon form the Sabarimala Infrastructure and Crowd Management Expert Committee. The panel will include specialists in transportation, rural planning, civil engineering, disaster management, environment, public health, and IT.

Record pilgrimage last season

During the last Mandala-Makaravilakku season, Sabarimala witnessed 78,68,272 pilgrims, according to figures submitted by the Devaswom Board to the High Court. The Board is aiming to enhance crowd management and overall pilgrimage experience through these initiatives.