Makaravilakku, Sabarimala, Kerala - Forests, Temple, Palace
Makaravilakku is the most prominent festival of Sabarimala which is celebrated annually on the day of Makar Sankranti i.e. 14th January which beckons around half a million of devotees across the globe. On this day, a jewel casket is taken from the Pandalam Palace and the idol of Lord Ayyappa is aesthetically adorned with these regal jewels. A grand procession is taken out which is called as the Thiruvabharanam Procession and is visited by thousands of devotees. This spectacular procession is reached to the main temple with great fervor and frolic accompanied by songs, dance and music. It is a seven day long festival and at the end of this festival, a ritual known as ‘Guruthi’ is performed in order to please the gods of the forests. The auspicious festival of Makaravilakku enlightens a deep sense of spirituality and purity in one’s mind and soul.
