Sabarimala: A shortage of daily wage workers has pushed the counting of offerings (kanikka) at Sabarimala temple into a crisis. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) had estimated a requirement of 2,000 daily-wage workers for the Mandala–Makaravilakku season, but only 1,500 turned up. After the Mandala season ended, around 300 workers dropped out for various reasons, leaving the current workforce at about 1,200. Devaswom Board officials say at least 400 workers are needed solely for counting offerings.

With the Makaravilakku festival ongoing, officials warn that the situation could worsen if more workers are not recruited. Regular Devaswom Board employees cannot be redeployed for this task as they are already assigned to other duties.

Also Read

placeholder

Stopwatch, registers to track pilgrims at Pathinettam Padi; police on 15-minute duty, 45-minute rest

placeholder

160 km, 13 stations: KRDCL backs Angamaly–Erumely Sabarimala rail to Thiruvananthapuram

placeholder

Sabarimala women entry: CJI Surya Kant announces SC to examine nine-judge bench feasibility

placeholder

Sabarimala aravana: Distribution capped at 20 tins per person; further cut likely if sales rise

placeholder

Seven layers of loot at Sabarimala: IB pushes for CBI probe; inventory details lost gold

placeholder

Sabarimala gold case: CM defends SIT, says questioning Kadakampally part of investigation

The hill shrine logged revenues of nearly Rs 333 crore in December 2025, which included offerings from devotees.

Daily wage worker duties

Daily wage workers aged between 18 and 65 and in good health are hired for the Mandala–Makaravilakku season. They are paid ₹650 per day, with an additional ₹50 for those assigned to counting offerings.

Applicants must submit a police clearance certificate (PCC), an Aadhaar card and two photographs. Daily wage workers are engaged in cleaning, counting offerings, distributing drinking water and biscuits to pilgrims, and serving food. Ex-servicemen are appointed as security staff. Workers are provided with uniforms, temporary identity cards, accommodation and food.

Officials also caution that Sabarimala may face a shortage of staff in the coming years. They attribute this to the fact that a majority of new recruits to the Devaswom Board are women employees.