After Mandala puja, Sabarimala's lord Ayyappa temple closes after 41-day long pilgrim season

Mandala pooja was concluded after performing `Kalasabhishekam`, the special ritual marking the conclusion of Mandala Puja. Lord Ayyappa temple will reopen on the evening of December 30 for the `Makaravilakku` festival which will be celebrated on January 14.

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Sabarimala: Mandala puja was held at the Sabarimala`s Lord Ayyappa temple on Sunday, marking the conclusion of the 41-day pilgrim season. Mandala Puja was performed in the auspicious time between 11.50 am and 12.40 noon by Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru and Chief priest N Parameswaran Namboodiri. 

The idol of Lord Ayyappa was adorned with `thanka anki` attire, which was brought here on Saturday evening in a ceremonial procession.

Mandala pooja was concluded after performing `Kalasabhishekam`, the special ritual marking the conclusion of Mandala Puja.

The temple will reopen on the evening of December 30 for the `Makaravilakku` festival which will be celebrated on January 14. 

Devotees will be allowed from December 31 morning onwards for `Darshan`. Kerala Devaswom board minister K Radhakrishnan, Travancore Devaswom Board K Ananthagopan and other officials were present in the ceremony.

As many as 10.35 lakh pilgrims visited the Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala till Friday during this Mandala season, said Advocate K Ananthagopan, Travancore Devaswom President.

"This year`s income in Sabarimala during the pilgrim season was Rs 78.92 crores. This is the amount till December 25. Due to covid restrictions, last year`s income was 8 crore only," he added. 

Mammootty inaugurates Beypore water fest in Kozhikode

In a bid to promote tourism, the Kerala tourism department organised the Beypore water fest in Kozhikode which was virtually inaugurated by South Indian actor Mammootty on Sunday.

South Indian actor Mammootty inaugurated the event virtually on Sunday. The four-day event consists of various events like Kayaking, rod fishing, net throwing, boat racing etc. besides other programs like food fest, Ganamela etc.District collector Tej Lohit Reddy flagged off a cycle rally earlier as an announcement of the fest.

The event is mainly being held at Beypore marina and Chaliyar river. The Beypore water fest will culminate on December 29.