Pathanamthitta, January 13, 2026: As the annual Makaravilakku festival approaches, elaborate arrangements have been put in place at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple to ensure the safety, security, and smooth movement of devotees. This year, the festival falls on Wednesday, and authorities have coordinated across multiple departments to manage the anticipated heavy influx of pilgrims.

Security Deployment

The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which oversees temple administration, announced that approximately 2,000 police personnel would be deployed across the shrine and its surrounding areas on the day of Makaravilakku. This includes strategic placement along key routes, checkpoints, and near Sannidhanam—the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ayyappa.

The High Court-mandated crowd management system limits entry to Sannidhanam to 30,000 pilgrims through the virtual queue system and an additional 5,000 via spot bookings. Pilgrims have been strongly advised to follow these arrangements to prevent overcrowding and ensure orderly darshan.

Controlled Movement of Devotees

To avoid congestion, authorities have announced staggered movement schedules. Pilgrims moving from Nilakkal to Pampa will not be allowed from 10 am onwards, while the route from Pampa to Sannidhanam will be closed from 11 am. These measures are intended to regulate the flow and prevent bottlenecks on the hilly terrain, which can become particularly hazardous during peak hours.

Thiruvabharanam Procession

A central highlight of the festival, the Thiruvabharanam procession—carrying the sacred jewels of Lord Ayyappa—will follow the traditional route with heightened security. According to TDB, the procession will start around 5.30 pm and reach Sannidhanam at approximately 6.20 pm. Devotees are strictly advised not to touch the wooden box carrying the Thiruvabharanam and to maintain a safe distance along the route.

Pilgrims have also been directed to view the Makara Jyothi, the celestial light marking Lord Ayyappa’s appearance, only from designated viewpoints. Authorities have issued warnings against cooking or undertaking unsafe activities in forested areas near the temple, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the hilly terrain.

Forest and Environmental Safety Measures

The Forest Department has taken several precautionary steps in view of the festival. A temporary footbridge across the River Pampa has been constructed to facilitate safe passage, while additional barricades have been set up in key areas such as Pampa, Pulmedu, and Sannidhanam. An extra 120 personnel have been deployed to assist in crowd management and forest safety.

Sanitation and Health Services

The Eco Development Committee, with 136 trained volunteers, has been mobilized for sanitation and cleanliness across strategic points. The Fire and Rescue Services have stationed teams at critical locations including Sannidhanam and Pampa, equipped with 31 vehicles comprising ambulances, rescue units, and emergency response teams. Additionally, a trained scuba diving team has been deployed at Pampa to respond to any incidents in the river.

Joint inspections are being conducted by the police, Forest Department, and Fire and Rescue Services to ensure that all safety protocols are implemented effectively. The multi-departmental coordination reflects the authorities’ focus on minimizing risks associated with the massive congregation of devotees.

Guidance for Devotees

The TDB and associated authorities have issued clear instructions to pilgrims to adhere to all security guidelines. This includes following designated routes, maintaining physical distance, and obeying instructions from officials to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience. Pilgrims have been urged to remain vigilant and report any emergencies immediately to the nearest official.

A Festival of Faith and Precautions

Makaravilakku attracts lakhs of devotees from across Kerala and other states, making it one of the most significant and crowded religious events in the country. The coordinated measures undertaken this year—including police deployment, forest safety arrangements, sanitation efforts, and emergency preparedness—underscore the administration’s commitment to balancing religious devotion with safety and order.

With these elaborate arrangements, authorities aim to ensure that the festival proceeds smoothly, allowing pilgrims to have a spiritually fulfilling experience while mitigating the risks posed by overcrowding, river crossings, and forested terrain. The Travancore Devaswom Board has appealed to all devotees to exercise patience and cooperate fully with the authorities to make this year’s Makaravilakku a safe and memorable celebration.