Lakhs witness Makaravilakku at Sabarimala

Sunday, 15 January 2012: Lakhs of pilgrims stationed around Sabarimala temple and adjoining forest areas witness the ‘celestial light’ that appears on the horizon on Makara Sankranthi.
The Makaravilakku, the flame that appears thrice at Ponnambalamedu, considered as the abode of Lord Ayyappa, marking the conclusion of the festive season.
A control room for disaster management was opened yesterday at Sabarimala Sannidhanam during the time of the Makaravilakku considering huge rush of devotees to Lord Ayyappa hill shrine.
The district administration has launched elaborate preparations to ensure a smooth and trouble-free Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala to be held today.
District administration has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to make necessary arrangements to serve medicated drinking water and biscuits to the pilgrims waiting in the queue inside the barricades along the Marakkoottom- Sannidhanam stretch of the traditional path as they have to wait in the long-winding queue even up to 15 hours during the rush days.