Sabarimala Temple Reopens Dec 30 for Makaravilakku Festival

• Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala reopens on December 30 for the annual Makaravilakku festival.
• The auspicious Makaravilakku ritual is scheduled for January 14, 2026, marking the culmination of the pilgrimage season.
• 'Melsanthi' E D Prasad will open the sanctum sanctorum at 5 pm on Dec 30, in the presence of 'tantri' Mahesh Mohanaru.
• Pilgrims can climb the Pathinettam Padi for darshan after the sacred fire (azhi) is lit at Sannidhanam.
• Extensive cleanliness drives, involving TDB, police, excise, and Visuddhi Sena, were conducted across Sabarimala.

Why It Matters: Sabarimala Temple reopens December 30 for Makaravilakku, with rituals culminating January 14, 2026.