Sabarimala: The Aravana production was stalled in Sabarimala on Saturday due to shortage of Jaggery. The unprecedented situation affected distribution of Aravana tins among pilgrims. Now, a pilgrim will get only five tins from a single counter.

It should be noted that the Devaswom officials had earlier informed that production of Appams and Aravana for distribution up to December 27 were already completed. 

However, shortage in availability of Jaggery has now forced them to put restrictions. Prior to this, 2,70,000 tins of Aravana were produced every single day.

Earlier, PS Prashanth, President of Travancore Devaswom Board had informed that necessary steps will be undertaken in order to ensure adequate availability of Aravana during ‘Makaravilakku’.

The board has instructed the officials concerned to arrange more Jaggery. A tender has been invited in this regard as well.

The processes are being expedited as huge crowds are expected to throng the pilgrim centre in the coming days.

As per the current figures, four loads of Jaggery are arriving on a daily basis at Sabarimala. Approximately, 3.5 lakh Aravana tins are being distributed everyday. 

The Devaswom board has informed that necessary steps are being taken to resolve the issue.