Sabarimala Thiruvonam Sadhya to Be Organised Directly by Devaswom Board; Sponsorships and Collections to Be Avoided
Sabarimala: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) will directly organise the traditional Thiruvonam Sadhya for pilgrims at Sabarimala on the occasion of Thiruvonam. This is the first time the Devaswom Board is taking direct responsibility for organising the Onam feast.(sabarimalauptodate.in)
Arrangements have been completed to serve the feast to pilgrims arriving at Sannidhanam. Officials said the decision was taken to avoid sponsorships and collections made in the name of the Onam feast. The Sabarimala temple will remain open for the Onam pooja from August 24 to August 28, with Thiruvonam being celebrated on August 26.
Devotees will also have the opportunity to make direct contributions towards the Thiruvonam Annadanam by selecting available date slots through the official online portal of the Travancore Devaswom Board, enabling them to support the feast directly.
All official links for Virtual Q, Pooja Bookings, accommodation and other Sabarimala services are available at www.sabarimalaupdate.in., along with booking guidance and details of the requirements for devotees.
Revised Parking Fees to Provide Relief to Pilgrims
Sabarimala pilgrims are also expected to get relief from excessive parking charges following the Kerala government’s revision of minimum parking fees in panchayat areas. The decision comes after widespread complaints, particularly from Erumeli, that parking operators were charging far above the prescribed rates. There were allegations that motorists were being charged ₹200 or more for cars instead of the prescribed ₹50, leading to arguments and disputes.
The issue reached the Kerala High Court, which observed that the parking fees fixed under the 1995 Kerala Panchayat Raj rules were impractical and directed the government to standardise the rates. Under the revised 24-hour rates, parking lots without additional facilities can charge ₹10 for two-wheelers, ₹20 for cars, ₹40 for mini buses and ₹60 for buses. For parking lots with additional facilities, the rates are ₹15, ₹40, ₹80 and ₹120, respectively.
The government order issued on August 19, 2026, states that parking lots should have sufficient space, drinking water and toilet facilities. Additional amenities may include CCTV surveillance, ANPR or RFID-based entry systems, EV fast-charging points, electronic vacancy boards, app-based reservations, automated parking systems, dedicated spaces for persons with disabilities and covered parking.
The TDB is also considering a digital parking fee collection system, including FASTag-based payments, to improve transparency and reduce disputes. The Board’s major parking grounds are reportedly auctioned annually for around ₹80 lakh, while nearby private parking lots are also auctioned. The revised fee structure is expected to make parking charges more predictable and provide greater protection to Sabarimala pilgrims, particularly those travelling from other states.
Plastic Ban and Sanitation Measures Strengthened
As part of the Onam pooja arrangements, officials have been appointed to enforce the plastic ban and monitor sanitation activities at Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal Base Camp. Special squads will prevent the sale of prohibited plastic products and ensure compliance with Kerala High Court directions.
Sanitation supervisors will oversee the work of Sabarimala Visuddhi Sena members and ensure proper waste management at the three locations. Special measures will also be taken to prevent waste from being dumped into rivers and to ensure the timely collection and removal of waste. The measures are aimed at maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment during the expected increase in pilgrim arrivals for the Onam pooja.