The sacred grove (Poonkavanam) of Lord Ayyappa is buzzing with activity for the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage that begins on Sunday.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and various government departments are busy making last-minute arrangements for the pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa temple.
According to the TDB, a large number of pilgrims visit the temple during the 62-day pilgrimage period. Construction of temporary sheds for hotels and other shops is under way on the banks of the Pampa and other points along the trekking path.
TDB chief engineer P.S. Jolly Ullas said the repair and maintenance of various TDB buildings at Sabarimala had been completed.
As many as 3,300 toilets had been made available at Pampa, Nilackal and the Sannidhanam.
Electrification of the Swami Ayyappan road has been completed. -The Hindu