Thiruvananthapuram: Ahead of the annual Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, the Kerala government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) have finalised multi-departmental arrangements to ensure a seamless, eco-friendly and devotee-friendly experience. The sacred hill shrine is scheduled to open for the Mandala Puja festival on the evening of November 16 at 4 pm.

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Addressing the media on the readiness of infrastructure and pilgrim amenities, Kerala Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan confirmed that all logistical and health preparations are proceeding smoothly.
 

“Everything is going on smoothly now, and all arrangements have been done,” Minister Muraleedharan said.

“The renovated road from Chalakkayam to Pamba will be inaugurated the day after tomorrow morning, and the KSRTC bus service from Nilakkal to Pamba is also starting. They have purchased new vehicles as well as arranged rented ones, ensuring that sufficient transport will be available for devotees.” 

To meet the high demand for sacred offerings during the pilgrimage season, the Travancore Devaswom Board has stockpiled 75 lakh containers of ‘Appam’ and ‘Aravana’. Devotees arriving at the base camps will also have immediate access to updated schedules and assistance through dedicated information counters.

TDB president K Jayakumar noted that the board has been in intensive preparation mode for several months, coordinating with approximately 16 government departments to streamline crowd management, sanitation and pilgrim services ahead of the November 16 opening.
 

“Everything now converges on the point of opening the shrine on November 16 at 4 o'clock,” Jayakumar said. “This year, we have introduced more digital payments, better transparency and greater responsiveness. In Pampa and Nilakkal, we will have more reception centres and inquiry counters where we will facilitate pilgrims in a far more professional manner.” 

Emphasising environmental sustainability during the peak footfall, the TDB President highlighted that “Clean Sabarimala” is the core motto for the 2026 pilgrimage season, expressing confidence that the coordinated efforts across departments will meet all operational and sanitation goals. Jayakumar is scheduled to visit Sabarimala tomorrow to conduct a final on-ground inspection before the shrine opens to pilgrims.

 

Key highlights for Sabarimala pilgrims 2026 season:

  • Shrine opening: November 16 at 4 pm for the Mandala Puja festival.
  • Transport and roads: Inauguration of the renovated Chalakkayam–Pamba road; expanded KSRTC fleet (new and rented buses) operating between Nilakkal and Pamba.
  • Prasadam stock: 75 lakh containers of ‘Appam’ and ‘Aravana’ kept ready.
  • Pilgrim support: Expanded reception centres, professional inquiry counters at Pampa and Nilakkal and wider adoption of digital payment systems.
  • Sanitation focus: Strict implementation of the “Clean Sabarimala” initiative across the pilgrimage route. 
    ANI