Sabarimala Temple Opens for Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival 2024: Key Details for Devotees

Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival Schedule

The Mandala pilgrimage will commence formally on Saturday and continue until December 26, culminating in a special adoration of the deity with the “thanka anki” (golden ornaments) from the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple. The second phase, known as the Makaravilakku festival, will follow from December 30, concluding on January 20, 2025. The main highlight, Makaravilakku day, falls on January 15, 2025, drawing pilgrims from across the country to witness this auspicious event.

Temple Timings and Access for Devotees

To accommodate the large influx of visitors, the temple will remain open for 18 hours daily in two phases:

• Morning session: 3 am to 1 pm
• Evening session: 3 pm to 11 pm

Devotees will be permitted to ascend from the base camp at Pampa to Sannidhanam, the hill shrine, starting from 1 pm each day. This access schedule, managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), aims to ensure smooth and safe movement for all pilgrims.

Virtual Queue System and Spot Booking

Initially, the TDB planned to rely solely on virtual queue slots for entry, but after receiving input from political parties and pilgrim groups, they have allowed limited on-site bookings. Here’s how the system will work:

• Virtual Queue: A daily capacity of 70,000 slots is available through online registration. However, all remaining November slots are reportedly booked, reflecting a high demand.
• Spot Booking: An additional 10,000 slots will be available for pilgrims who may not be familiar with digital systems. Spot bookings can be made at designated points in Pampa, Erumeli, and Vandiperiyar by presenting a valid ID, such as Aadhaar or a voter ID card.

In response to logistical challenges, the Kerala High Court has also directed the TDB to provide clear guidelines for handling pilgrims who arrive without prior registration. Furthermore, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses are required to operate within safety guidelines, ensuring all passengers are seated.

Supportive Facilities and Weather Forecasting

The main base camp for the pilgrimage is located at Nilackal, equipped to accommodate up to 10,000 vehicles. A temporary overflow parking area has also been set up at Pampa to handle increased numbers during peak days.

To enhance safety and planning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has installed three rain gauges around Sabarimala, providing pilgrims with localized, three-day weather forecasts. This dedicated weather service for Sabarimala, similar to those provided for the Amarnath and Char Dham pilgrimages, is expected to help pilgrims plan their journey with better clarity and safety.

The Mandala-Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala is one of India's largest and most sacred pilgrimages, with over five million devotees visiting the temple in the previous season alone. This year, with streamlined facilities, dedicated weather updates, and enhanced access systems, devotees are set to experience a spiritually enriching and well-organized festival season.