15,000 Kg of Raw Rice to Reach Pampa Tomorrow; TDB Denies Aravana Shortage Reports
PATHANAMTHITTA: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has dismissed media reports suggesting a possible shortage of Aravana prasadam when the Sabarimala temple opens for the Thulam Masa pooja, stating that adequate stocks of all essential ingredients have been ensured for production.
Board officials said 15,000 kg of raw rice would be transported to Pampa on October 12, 2026. Following inspection by the Food Safety Department, the rice will be transported to Sannidhanam for Aravana production.
The Board said production would begin on October 13, following the completion of renovation work at the Aravana plant. All required ingredients would be made available in sufficient quantities to ensure uninterrupted production. Officials maintained that there was no reason for concern over the availability of Aravana prasadam during the upcoming pooja.
Media reports had claimed that only 27 sacks of raw rice remained at Sannidhanam, sufficient to produce approximately 27,000 tins of Aravana, with just days remaining before the temple opens for the Thulam Masa pooja. The TDB described these reports as factually incorrect, reiterating that the necessary arrangements had been made to ensure adequate supplies.
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has directed the Travancore Devaswom Board’s Chief Engineer to appear in person on October 14 and submit a report on preparations to meet the October 31 deadline set by the Chief Minister. The court had also directed the Board and other agencies on October 9 to provide timelines and quality inspection reports for road repairs, drinking water supply and waste management.