Sabarimala, Nov. 16 -- The world-renowned Lord Ayyappa temple here will open its doors this evening at 5 pm, marking the start of the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
The festival formally begins on Monday, the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam.
The ceremonial lamp will be lit by outgoing head priest Arun Kumar Namboothiri in the presence of Tantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanararu, officially inaugurating the 2025 pilgrimage season.
Later, the newly appointed head priest of the Sabarimala temple, E. D. Prasad, along with Malikappuram temple's head priest M. G. Manu, will assume their duties for this year's pilgrimage.
The opening marks the beginning of the 41-day Mandala Pooja period, which will conclude with the M...