Sabarimala temple will be opened for the grand Makaravilakku festival on Monday, December 30, at 4 pm, marking the beginning of the annual celebrations that attract thousands of devotees to the holy temple. The opening ceremony will be held in the presence of the temple’s tantri, Kandararu Rajeevaru, and the Melsanthi (chief priest), S. Arun Kumar Namboothiri, who will perform the opening rituals.

The temple will be opened for devotees after the Aazhi (sacred fire) is lit, signalling the beginning of the rituals. Pilgrims can begin their journey to the Pathinettam Padi (the sacred eighteen steps), where they can have darshan (viewing of the deity) until 10 pm.

Special poojas will begin early the following morning. On December 31, the first pooja for Makaravilakku will begin at 3 am. This will be followed by the Neyyabhishekam, a traditional ablution ritual using ghee, which will take place daily from 3:30 am to 11 am. In the afternoon, a special pooja, Kalabha Abhishekam, will be conducted.

The Makaravilakku is on January 14. Before the main event, the famous Erumeli Petta Thullal will take place on January 11.