Kerala Welcomes Global Ayyappa Sangam for Onam 2025
For the first time in Sabarimala's history, the State Government has decided to organize a global congregation of Ayyappa devotees in Pamba at the beginning of September, as announced by Minister V.N. Vasavan. This announcement was made during a meeting convened to assess preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, attended by public representatives and officials.
In connection with Onam, the government will soon announce the date and detailed schedule for the Ayyappa congregation. The Minister clarified that prominent individuals from various parts of the world will participate alongside the Chief Minister. Preparations for the Sabarimala Mandala season pilgrimage will be implemented with greater vigor. The Minister also directed that arrangements in Sabarimala and other locations be fully prepared in advance of the congregation, which will see Ayyappa devotees arriving from across the globe.
To expedite ongoing construction work at rest stops and Sabarimala, funded by KIIFB, a meeting of officials will be convened soon. The government aims to provide enhanced facilities for devotees during this pilgrimage season. The services of experienced officials will be fully utilized to coordinate pilgrimage activities, and the appointment of the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) for Sabarimala will be finalized earlier, the Minister stated.
To ensure medical assistance for devotees, discussions will be held to expand facilities at the Perinad Community Health Centre. A meeting involving the Minister, Devaswom Secretary, board officials, and other stakeholders will be held soon to ensure coordination in the Devaswom Board's activities.
Travancore Devaswom Board President P.S. Prasanth stated that efforts are underway to provide better insurance coverage for Sabarimala pilgrims compared to last year. A fund to assist those affected by health-related accidents is under consideration, to be implemented through an optional nominal fee, as short-term health insurance is currently unavailable. The Board is making preparations to organize the pilgrimage efficiently and has sought the cooperation of all departments.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Pramod Narayan and Vazhoor Soman, Devaswom Secretary M.G. Rajamanickam, ADGP S. Sreejith, District Collectors of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta, and senior officials from various departments.