Pathanamthitta, Jan. 20 -- The Mandala-Makaravilakku festival at the Sabarimala temple concluded with the closing of the sanctum sanctorum following age-old rituals.

The temple closed at 6:45 am on Tuesday, after the final rituals, including Vibhuti abhishekam, chanting of Harivarasanam, and Ganapathi Homam. At the eastern mandapam, Ganapathi Homam was performed according to traditional customs. Mandala-Makaravilakku is an annual festival held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in kerala.

The religious rituals refer to the sacred 41-day period of austerity (vratham) observed by devotees of Lord Ayyappa, culminating in the Mandala Pooja at Sabarimala. The practice was started by the Malayaraya tribe, believed to be the descendants of Mal...