Devotess to get sufficient aravana: Minister

Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Dec 30 (UNI) Kerala Devaswam Minister G Sudhakaran today said fool-proof arrangements have been made to provide sufficient 'Aravana' prasadam to the satisfaction of pilgrims during the 'Makaravilakku' pilgrimage season, beginning today.

Talking to reporters at Pampa after presiding over a Sabarimala review meeting, he said a pilgrim would get six tins of 'Aravana' from December 31 to January 10 next year, eight tins from January 11 to 14, ten tins from January 15 to 17 and depending on the rush, five to ten tins between January 18 and 20.

The production of 'Aravana', the main prasadam at the hill shrine, continued non-stop during the three days following the closure of Ayyappa temple after 'Mandala Pooja' festival, the Minister said, adding that 25 lakh tins of Aravana and eight lakh eco-friendly empty tins have been stocked.

Mr Sudhakaran said the system of supplying Aravana in vessels brought by devotees would be maintained during the 'Makaravilakku' season. He hoped that the loss of revenue to the tune of Rs 2.75 crore incurred due to shortage of tins for supplying Aravana during Mandalam season would be met through the anticipated revenue in 'Makaravilakku' period.

As against previous years, the revenue from base camps had increased visibly. Stringent action would be taken against hotels and shops that fleeced pilgrims. Drinking water and basic amenities would be provided to devotees. There would be no load-shedding in Sabarimala, he added.

UNI