Sabarimala Arattu Today; Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Arattu Tomorrow; Darshan Restrictions Likely
Pathanamthitta: April 1, 2026: The Arattu ritual, marking the grand conclusion of the annual festival at Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Swamy Temple, will be held today (Wednesday) with traditional ceremonies and processions.
The rituals will begin at 9 AM, when the ceremonial procession carrying the deity departs from the Sannidhanam toward the sacred Pamba River. The holy bath (Arattu) is scheduled between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM at a specially prepared ghat along the river.
After the Arattu, the deity will be placed at the pandal in front of Pamba Ganapathi Temple, allowing devotees to offer prayers. The return procession to the Sannidhanam via the Neelimala route will begin around 3:30 PM and is expected to reach by 7 PM. The ceremonial lowering of the temple flag (Kodiyirakkam) will follow, marking the end of the festival, with the temple closing at 10 PM.
Authorities have stated that devotees will not be permitted to climb the sacred steps after 8 AM on Arattu day. Darshan will resume only after 7 PM.
Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, the Arattu of the historic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple will be held on April 2. As part of the annual festival, the ceremonial procession will proceed to Shankhumukham Beach, where the traditional sea bath will take place.
In connection with the procession, operations at Trivandrum International Airport will likely be temporarily suspended, with the airport runway closed for a brief period to facilitate the passage of the royal procession.