
Mon Nov 17 03:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
News Article:
Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season Begins: Devotees Commence 48-Day Fast
Chennai, [Date – Insert Today’s Date] – The annual Sabarimala pilgrimage season officially commenced today with the start of the Mandala Pooja. Thousands of Ayyappan devotees across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, have begun their 48-day period of rigorous fasting and austerity in preparation for the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple in Kerala.
A large number of devotees were seen thronging Ayyappan temples in Chennai today, marking the beginning of their fast. The Mandala Pooja is a significant event in the Ayyappan pilgrimage calendar, and marks the start of the period during which the Sabarimala temple is open to pilgrims. Devotees observe strict rituals and adhere to a celibate lifestyle during this period as a mark of devotion to Lord Ayyappan.