TDB to Install Two New Aravana Machines to Prevent Prasadam Shortages Ahead of Pilgrimage Season
Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) plans to strengthen Aravana production at Sabarimala by installing two additional machines to ensure an uninterrupted supply of the prasadam during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.
TDB president K. Jayakumar announced the plan at a review meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan also directed the Board to ensure adequate stocks of both Aravana and Appam throughout the pilgrimage season, particularly in view of the expected increase in pilgrim footfall.
The decision is aimed at strengthening production capacity and maintaining sufficient stocks during periods of heavy pilgrim arrivals.
Previous Season's Production and Demand
Data from the previous pilgrimage season indicates the scale of the challenge. The Aravana plant produced approximately 2.6 lakh to 2.9 lakh tins per day when operating at its maximum active capacity.
However, distribution during days of heavy pilgrim rush could reach around 3.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh tins a day. The higher daily distribution was met partly through buffer stocks accumulated before periods of peak demand.
The TDB had also aimed to build a buffer reserve of around 40 lakh to 48 lakh tins before the start of the season to ensure that supplies could be maintained during periods when daily demand exceeded production capacity.
With pilgrim footfall expected to increase this year, the additional Aravana production machines are intended to improve the Board's ability to meet demand and reduce the risk of shortages.
Focus on Adequate Prasadam Stocks
The review meeting also discussed delays in tender procedures for procuring materials required for prasadam production. Muraleedharan directed the TDB to ensure that procurement and production arrangements are completed in time so that adequate quantities of Aravana and Appam are available throughout the pilgrimage season.
The proposed additional machinery, together with advance stock-building, is expected to help the Board maintain uninterrupted prasadam distribution during peak pilgrimage days.
The measures are aimed at ensuring that devotees do not face shortages of Aravana and Appam despite fluctuations in daily demand during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.