TDB president meets Devaswom minister, assures smooth Sabarimala pilgrimage

Thiruvananthapuram: TDB President K Jayakumar met Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan on Friday to ensure a smooth Sabarimala pilgrimage season, following Muraleedharan's recent concern over aravana payasam shortages and tender delays. Aravana payasam, a traditional sweet dish made from red rice, jaggery, and ghee, is a key offering at Lord Ayyappa's shrine at Sabarimala.

Jayakumar attributed the shortage to an unexpected surge in devotees and stated the Board was increasing production capacity. He also met Chief Minister V D Satheesan recently to discuss Sabarimala preparations. The Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season begins on November 16. Following the meeting, Muraleedharan assured reporters that the government and TDB would collaborate to prevent devotee difficulties during the pilgrimage, expressing confidence that the season would be smooth.