Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Kerala Prepares for Makaravilakku at Sabarimala
The Kerala government is getting ready for the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala.
On January 14, the main day of the festival, 35,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the temple.
Before that, up to 70,000 pilgrims can visit each day.
Starting January 10, people can only book rooms online using their ID cards.
Special passes with photos will be given to watch the Makaravilakku to stop people from selling or misusing them.
The government is also making sure the paths are clear and providing food for pilgrims to keep them safe.
The festival is the end of a long pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.
Kerala has made elaborate arrangements for the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala on January 14.
Entry will be restricted to 35,000 pilgrims on the festival day, with 30,000 through virtual queue and 5,000 through spot booking.
From January 10, room bookings at Sannidhanam will be fully online using valid photo ID cards.
Photo-embedded passes will be issued to prevent misuse for viewing the Makaravilakku.
The Devaswom Board will arrange food for pilgrims to avoid cooking and ensure fire safety.
- Who
- Kerala Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan and TDB President K Jayakumar
- What
- Announcement of arrangements for Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala
- When
- January 7, 2024 (announcement); January 14, 2024 (festival day)
- Where
- Sabarimala, Kerala
- Why
- To manage the pilgrimage season and ensure safety and smooth conduct of the festival
- Event
- Makaravilakku festival
- Location
- Sabarimala, Kerala
- Festival Day
- January 14
- Pilgrims on Festival Day
- 35,000
- Pilgrims on Other Days
- 70,000 per day
- Spot Booking Limit
- 5,000 pilgrims daily
- Room Booking
- Fully online from January 10
- Passes for Makaravilakku
- Photo-embedded to prevent misuse