Rising on a heavy influx of pilgrims from neighbouring States, the 2025–26 annual pilgrimage season has opened on a strong note with the Travancore Devaswom Board reporting a total revenue of ₹92 crore in the first 15 days. This marks a 33.33% jump from the ₹69 crore collected during the same period last year.
A major share of the revenue came from the sale of aravana offering, which alone brought in ₹47 crore, up from last year’s ₹32 crore, which marks an increase of 46.86%. Revenue from the sale of appams stood at ₹3.5 crore, roughly matching last year’s figures.
Income from kanikka (hundis) also showed an upward trend, touching ₹26 crore, compared to ₹22 crore during the same period in 2024
According to TDB, pilgrim turnout has remained robust, with around 13 lakh devotees visiting the hill shrine till November 30.
Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will take a final decision on serving the traditional Kerala feast for pilgrims at Sabarimala after the board meeting scheduled for December 5. Earlier, the plan was to begin serving the feast from December
According to K.Jayakumar, president, TDB, the contractor has been awarded a season-long contract to supply pulao and replacing it with feast could involve legal complications as well as the need for additional infrastructure. A committee led by the Devaswom Commissioner has been appointed to study these aspects and submit a report. The board will take a final call once the report is received.
Sabarimala Executive Officer O. G. Biju too clarified that the decision to postpone the introduction of feast is only temporary. Earlier, there were reports of a declaration by the Board president to introduce sadya as free meal for devotees had led o a sharp dispute within the Board.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to keep the Pampa river clean, eight contract workers have been deployed to collect clothes abandoned by pilgrims in the Pampa after bathing. The police and Home Guard personnel have also been stationed in the area to create awareness against discarding clothes in the river. These steps are being taken in compliance with High Court directives.
Published – December 01, 2025 07:51 pm IST
