Sabarimala Temple Opened for Makaravilakku Festival

The Makaravilakku Festival is a 7-day annual festival held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala, coinciding with Makara Sankranti, an important harvest festival celebrated across India.

Key Features

1. Location:
   • Held at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
2. Historical Significance:
   • The festival has roots in the traditions of the Malayaraya tribe, who have practiced this ritual for hundreds of years.
3. Commencement and Conclusion:
   • Thiruvabharanam Procession:
     • The festival begins with the Thiruvabharanam procession, where sacred ornaments are carried to adorn Lord Ayyappa’s idol.
   • Guruthi Ritual:
     • It concludes with the Guruthi ritual, an offering made to the deities and spirits of the forest.
4. Makara Jyothi:
   • A significant aspect of the festival is the Makara Jyothi, a celestial light that appears on the horizon, symbolizing Lord Ayyappa’s divine presence.
   • It attracts millions of devotees who gather to witness this event.

Makar Sankranti Across India

The Makaravilakku Festival aligns with the broader celebrations of Makar Sankranti, which marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) and is celebrated with various names across the country:

1. Pongal – Tamil Nadu
2. Uttarayan – Gujarat
3. Maghi & Lohri – Punjab
4. Bihu – Assam

Significance of Makaravilakku

1. Religious Devotion:
   • The festival reflects deep spiritual beliefs and draws millions of pilgrims annually, symbolizing the universal values of devotion and unity.
2. Cultural Legacy:
   • It preserves the age-old traditions of the Malayaraya tribe and integrates them into mainstream Hindu practices.
3. Tourism and Economy:
   • The event boosts Kerala’s tourism and local economy, with devotees from across the country and abroad participating in the pilgrimage.

The Makaravilakku Festival is a unique blend of tribal tradition and mainstream Hinduism, showcasing the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Kerala.