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Sabarimala Temple, one of Kerala's most sacred pilgrimage sites, has begun its much-awaited 18-day festive period. This includes the annual temple festival and the Vishu celebrations, drawing thousands of devotees. The temple doors were ceremonially opened on April 2, 2025, by head priest Arunkumar Nampoothiri, in the presence of thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan and Kandararu Rajivaru. Devotees, many holding virtual queue passes, eagerly gathered to take part in the religious ceremonies and traditions that make this event so special.
Annual Festival Begins with the Kodiyettu Ceremony
The temple's 10-day annual festival started with the Kodiyettu ceremony, a flag-hoisting ritual, held on April 3 between 9:30 and 10:30 am. The ceremony was led by thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan, assisted by Kandararu Rajivaru and the melsanthi (chief priest). Representatives of the Travancore Devaswom Board, including President P S Prasanth and members G Sundaresan and A Ajikumar, also attended the event. Their presence highlighted the importance of community and organized efforts in conducting these grand celebrations.
Sacred Rituals and Processions
One of the main rituals of the annual festival is the Utsavabali, which will be performed for eight days from April 4 to April 10. This is followed by a grand procession known as Vilakkinezhunnellippu, where the temple's sacred thidambu (holy idol) is carried in a special parade from the fifth to the ninth day of the festival. Another important tradition, the Pallivetta ritual, will take place on the ninth day, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The festival will conclude with the Arattu ceremony on April 11 at 11:30 am. This sacred bathing ritual will be conducted at Arattukadavu by the riverside, led by the thantri and the *melsanthi*. This marks the official end of the annual celebrations before the start of the Vishu festival.
The Vishu Festival and Special Darshan
Following the annual festival, the Vishu festival will begin on April 12. This marks the Malayalam New Year and is considered a highly auspicious occasion. The most awaited ritual during this festival is the Vishukani Darshan, which takes place on April 14 between 4 am and 6 am. Devotees believe that seeing the Vishukani, an arrangement of auspicious items, brings prosperity and happiness for the year ahead.
Concluding the Festive Period
The grand celebrations will come to an end at 10 pm on April 18, officially closing the temple doors after 18 days of religious observance. These festivals at Sabarimala are not only spiritual but also a way for devotees to come together, pray, and reflect on their faith.
The annual and Vishu festivals at Sabarimala Temple represent a deep-rooted tradition of devotion and celebration. From the Kodiyettu ceremony to the Arattu ritual, each event carries historical and spiritual meaning. These festivals strengthen the cultural and religious fabric of the region, bringing people closer in a shared spiritual journey.
