The two-month-long Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season at the famed Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala began on 15th November. From early hours of 16th all rituals including special pooja`s and abhishekam were performed. Large number devotees are visiting the sacred hill temple.
The 41-day Mandala pooja festival will conclude on December 26. The ceremonial procession carrying the sacred golden attire, Thanka Anki, to Sabarimala in connection with the annual Mandala pooja festival at the Ayyappa temple will set off from Sree Parthasarathy Temple at Aranmula on 22nd.