Sabarimala Pilgrims to Get Rs 2 Lakh Life Insurance Cover for First Time; TDB to Bear Premium Costs
Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has announced a new life insurance scheme providing coverage of Rs 2 lakh to Sabarimala pilgrims during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The initiative, introduced in association with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), aims to provide financial assistance to the families of devotees who die during the pilgrimage.
TDB President K. Jayakumar announced the decision on Friday (October 30), following a board meeting in Thiruvananthapuram.
This is the first time life insurance coverage is being introduced for Sabarimala pilgrims. Previously, the board provided accident insurance coverage to devotees.
Under the new scheme, the TDB will bear the entire insurance premium from its Welfare Fund, ensuring that pilgrims receive the coverage without any additional payment. The board estimates an expenditure of approximately Rs 1 crore towards insurance premiums during the pilgrimage season.
As part of the implementation, devotees will be required to enter their nominee's name and relationship details while making their Sabarimala Virtual Queue booking. In the event of a pilgrim's death during the pilgrimage, the nominee or eligible family members will receive Rs 2 lakh, subject to the applicable insurance conditions.
Aravana Production and Reserve Stock
Addressing preparations for the pilgrimage season, Jayakumar said the board was taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of Aravana prasadam at Sabarimala.
Currently, around two lakh tins of Aravana are being produced daily, with production continuing round the clock. A newly constructed production facility is expected to begin operations on November 3 or 4, further increasing production capacity.
The board plans to maintain a reserve stock of 50 lakh to 60 lakh tins ahead of the 41-day Mandala pilgrimage season to meet the expected demand from devotees.
Pilgrim Facilities to Be Ready Before November 10
The TDB is also working to complete essential infrastructure development, maintenance and repair works at Sabarimala before November 10.
Reception desks will be established at Nilakkal and Pampa to provide information, guidance and assistance to arriving pilgrims.
Jayakumar said the board was making arrangements to ensure that the necessary facilities would be operational before the commencement of the pilgrimage season.
Jaykumar announced that an extensive free food distribution (annadanam) will be organised at Erumeli this season, using the KIIFB building for the purpose.
TDB to Directly Implement Digitisation Project
Regarding the proposed digitisation of Sabarimala services, Jayakumar clarified that the project would be implemented directly by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
He added that the involvement of the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA) in the project would be examined.
The board is taking precautions to ensure that the digitisation initiative proceeds without complications or delays.
With the introduction of life insurance coverage, increased Aravana production and ongoing infrastructure improvements, the TDB is preparing to manage the large influx of devotees expected during the 2026–27 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season.