Sabarimala Season Preparations Draw Protests as TDB Chief Allays Fears
Protests are growing over the slow pace of Sabarimala pilgrimage preparations, even as TDB president K. Jayakumar denies any government-board rift.
Preparations for the Sabarimala pilgrimage season are facing mounting criticism, with a growing chorus of protests over the slow pace of work. At the centre of the concern is the Aravana production plant, where progress has been sluggish, alongside delays in procuring raw materials and putting in place facilities for devotees.
Travancore Devaswom Board president K. Jayakumar has sought to calm the rising unease, maintaining that the arrangements are on track. He also dismissed reports of differences between the government and the board, insisting there is no rift over the conduct of the pilgrimage.
The concerns come as the season approaches, with the pending work spanning both the production of Aravana — a key offering at the shrine — and the broader infrastructure meant to serve the large number of pilgrims expected. The delay in sourcing raw materials has added to the worries around the plant's readiness.
Despite the reassurances from the board's top official, the protests reflect persistent anxiety over whether the preparations will be completed in time. The board has not indicated any change in its position that the work will be finished ahead of the season.