Thanga Anki Procession for Sabarimala's Mandala Puja Begins Dec 23

• Annual 'thanka anki' procession to Sabarimala begins December 23 from Aranmula Parthasarathy temple.
• The procession carries a 453-sovereign gold dress, a gift to Lord Ayyappa from the Travancore royal family.
• The 'thanka anki' procession is scheduled to reach Sabarimala on December 26 for the evening deeparadhana.
• The 'mandala puja' will be performed on December 27 with Lord Ayyappa adorned in the gold attire.
• This puja marks the culmination of the first leg of the nearly two-month-long annual pilgrimage season.

Why It Matters: This highlights a significant annual religious event for Lord Ayyappa devotees.