Sabarimala Temple Opens for Mandala-Makaravilakku 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Varahimedia.com,online news,November 15, 2024:marking the commencement of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku festival. This auspicious occasion attracts millions of devotees from Kerala and neighboring states, all coming to experience the spiritual significance of this sacred pilgrimage.

With thorough planning by the Kerala state government, this year’s festival is expected to be a smooth and well-organized event for all pilgrims.

Mandala-Makaravilakku Festival Schedule
Mandala Pilgrimage: The pilgrimage will officially begin on Saturday, November 16, 2024, and will run until December 26, 2024, concluding with a special ritual involving the ‘thanka anki’ (golden ornaments) from the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

Makaravilakku Festival: The second phase of the festival will take place from December 30, 2024, to January 20, 2025.

Makaravilakku Day: The main event will be held on January 15, 2025, drawing pilgrims from all over India to witness this highly significant celebration.

Temple Timings and Access for Devotees
To accommodate the large number of visitors, the temple will open for 18 hours each day, divided into two sessions:

Morning Session: 3:00 am to 1:00 pm
Evening Session: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
From 1:00 pm daily, pilgrims can proceed from the base camp at Pampa to Sannidhanam, the hill shrine. The schedule, organized by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), aims to ensure a smooth, safe pilgrimage experience.

Virtual Queue System and Spot Booking
Initially, the TDB had planned to offer only virtual queue slots for entry. However, due to feedback from political leaders and pilgrims, limited spot booking options will also be available. Here’s how it works:

Virtual Queue: A total of 70,000 slots per day can be booked online. November slots are already fully booked, reflecting the high demand for the festival.

Spot Booking: An additional 10,000 slots will be available for pilgrims who are not familiar with online booking. These can be reserved in person at Pampa, Erumeli, and Vandiperiyar by presenting a valid ID, such as Aadhaar or voter ID.

This system aims to streamline the booking process and ensure that all pilgrims can participate in the spiritual journey without hassle.

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