Tue Jan 14 12:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Sabarimala Gears Up for Makaravilakku Festival Amidst Tight Security
**Sabarimala, Kerala:** Devotees thronged Sabarimala and its surrounding areas on Tuesday, eager to witness the Makaravilakku festival and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappan adorned in the sacred Thiruvabharanam. The festival’s preparations are complete, confirmed Thiruvithamkoor Devaswom Board President Adv. P.S. Prasanth.
Extensive security measures are in place, with police, forest department, and RAF personnel coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Following the recent accident at Tirupati, a detailed review of the security arrangements was conducted on Monday by the Board President, Chief Police Coordinator, and Sabarimala Special Commissioner.
Prasanth urged devotees who have already had darshan to remain in the Sannidhanam for the Makaravilakku ceremony and avoid attempting darshan again after viewing the jyothi. He also advised against rushing during the return journey, as this could lead to accidents, and stressed the importance of adhering to police instructions while descending the hill. The Devaswom Board, including members G. Ajikumar and G. Sundarasan, also appealed to the elderly, those with physical ailments, and children to avoid attempting darshan on Tuesday.
The Thiruvabharanam procession will be received at Sharankutty at 5:30 PM on Tuesday and brought to the Sannidhanam under the leadership of Sabarimala Executive Officer B. Murari Babu. At 6:30 PM, it will be received by Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan, Tamil Nadu Devaswom Minister P.K. Sekhar Babu, and Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth at the Kodimarachuvatt. Tantri Kandar Rajeev and Melsanthi Arun Kumar Namboothiri will then carry the Thiruvabharanam to the Sreekovil for the Mahadeeparadhana ceremony, coinciding with the appearance of the Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu and the Makara Sankranti star. The Makara Sankrama pooja will be performed at 8:45 AM on Tuesday.
The Thiruvabharanam will adorn Lord Ayyappan from the 15th to the 17th, allowing devotees darshan. The festival concludes on the 19th with the Mahakuruthi ceremony at Malikappuram.
First Piper 