Aravana Production to Begin on October 13; 10 Lakh Tins in Buffer Stock Ahead of Thulam Masa Pooja
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following criticism over the shortage of Aravana prasadam during the Kanni Masa pooja, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has revised its preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season, deciding to resume Aravana production on Tuesday and maintain a buffer stock of 10 lakh tins for the Thulam Masa pooja.
TDB president K. Jayakumar said Aravana production would begin on October 13, as originally planned, with arrangements being made to ensure an uninterrupted supply during the upcoming pilgrimage season. The Board faced criticism during the Kanni Masa pooja after pilgrims encountered an Aravana shortage.
The Board has also withdrawn its earlier decision not to procure ghee and initiated steps to purchase the required quantities through a tender process. Jayakumar said ghee could be procured from Milma and other suppliers, if necessary, through the prescribed tender procedures.
As part of efforts to strengthen quality control, inspection laboratories will be made mandatory at both Pampa and Sannidhanam. Materials will be inspected at Pampa before being transported to Sannidhanam.
The Board has also dropped its proposal to purchase tractors for its own use and decided to invite tenders for loading and unloading operations instead.
A final review meeting to assess preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage season will be held at Pampa on October 17 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister VD Satheesan.
Meanwhile, the Board has reported an increase in revenue from the re-tendering of shops at Sabarimala. According to Jayakumar, the process has generated ₹11 crore more than the revenue recorded last year. The additional revenue is expected to exceed ₹25 crore once the auction of the remaining 100 shops is completed.
Jayakumar said the Board aimed to restore public confidence in Sabarimala through the upcoming pilgrimage season. He added that the objective was to ensure a smooth season while addressing concerns over alleged corruption, financial irregularities and administrative shortcomings associated with the temple.
The revised measures come amid growing scrutiny of the Board's preparations, with the availability of Aravana, procurement procedures and the timely delivery of essential supplies emerging as key priorities ahead of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season.