Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Sabarimala to Serve Sadhya Instead of Pulao
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to change the free food (annadanam) given to pilgrims at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.
Instead of pulao and sambar, they will now serve Kerala sadya, which includes payasam (a sweet pudding) and pappad.
The board said this change is to make the food more suitable for the devotees.
The money for this food comes from donations by devotees, not from the board's funds.
The new food will start being served from Wednesday or Thursday.
The board will also have a meeting on December 18 to talk about plans for next year's pilgrimage.
The preparations for next year's pilgrimage will start in February 2026.
Sadhya is a special feast with many dishes served on a banana leaf, showing the variety of Kerala's food.
TDB decides to replace pulao and sambar with Kerala sadya in annadanam at Sabarimala.
The change is to provide more appropriate and quality food to the devotees.
Funds for annadanam come from devotees' donations, not the Devaswom Board.
The new food will be implemented from Wednesday or Thursday.
A review meeting is scheduled for December 18 to discuss the Sabarimala masterplan and next year's pilgrimage preparations.
- Who
- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and pilgrims visiting Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala
- What
- Replacement of pulao and sambar with Kerala sadya in annadanam (free food)
- When
- Decision announced on Tuesday, implementation from Wednesday or Thursday
- Where
- Sabarimala, Kerala
- Why
- To provide more appropriate and quality food to the devotees
- Location
- Sabarimala, Kerala
- Organization
- Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB)
- Current Food
- Pulao and Sambar
- New Food
- Kerala Sadya with Payasam and Pappad
- Decision Announcement Date
- Tuesday
- Implementation Date
- Wednesday or Thursday
- Review Meeting Date
- December 18
- Next Pilgrimage Preparations Start
- February 2026
- Sadhya
- A lavish spread of nine courses served on a banana leaf, including various vegetables, soups, and sweets.
