Kaanana Patha Pooja (Traditional Forest Route Pooja) Held at Azhutha; Mala Araya Mahasabha Demands 24-Hour Access to Sabarimala Forest Route
Kalaketti: The Mala Araya Mahasabha has demanded that the traditional Sabarimala forest pilgrimage route be kept open 24 hours a day for Ayyappa devotees. The organisation urged the authorities to provide the necessary facilities and arrangements to ensure that pilgrims can safely travel along the route at any time of the day. It also stated that restricting devotees using ropes and turning them back along the route was unacceptable.
The demand was raised during a public meeting held following the traditional forest route pooja (Kaanana Patha Pooja) at Azhutha, Kalaketti. The event was jointly organised by the Mala Araya Mahasabha and its spiritual organisation, Sree Ayyappa Dharma Sangham. The Mala Arayan community has a deep historical and traditional connection with Lord Ayyappa and Sabarimala.
The programme began in the morning with a procession from Kalaketti Kotta Junction, passing through Kalaketti City before reaching Azhutha Kadavu. The traditional ritual art form Aivarkali was also performed as part of the procession.
At Azhutha Kadavu, special poojas were conducted according to community traditions under the leadership of Rajan Menoth at a specially arranged venue.
Following the rituals, a cultural meeting was held at the Sabari Pilgrim Centre around noon. Mala Araya Mahasabha General Secretary P. K. Sajeev inaugurated the meeting.
A discussion on "The Spiritual Significance and Development of Kalaketti" was also organised as part of the programme.
Mala Araya Mahasabha State President M. K. Saji, Vice President Shailaja Narayanan, Secretary Sanal Kavanal, Panchayat members P. S. Suranya and K. K. Rajan, SNDP Yogam Mookkanpetty Branch Vice President Rajimon Podippara, Forest Protection Committee Chairman M. S. Satheesh, Ajitha Udayakumar, V. P. Rajappan and C. N. Madhusoodanan were among those who addressed the gathering.