Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple will be opened today, 16 August 2019, at 5.30 pm for Malayalam New Year celebrations (Chingam 1). Chingam 1, first day of Chingam month, in Malayalam calendar marks the New Year for Kerala. Laksharchana will be conducted on the first day of the Malayalam New Year month of Chingam on August 17.
Laksharchana will be performed at Pampa Lord Ganapathi temple on August 18. Sahasrakalasam and Kalabhabhishekam will be the other special rituals to be conducted on all the five days. Udaysthamana pooja, Padi pooja and Pushpabhishekam will be the other rituals to be conducted. Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple will be closed on August 21 evening after Athazha pooja and Harivarasanam.
Temple to reopen in September for Onam festival:
Lord Ayyappa temple would reopen on 9 September evening for four days for Onam celebrations. The Onasadya, offered by Melsanthi, would be held on Thiru Onam festival (11 September). After Onam puja, the Sannidhanam will be closed on 13 September 2019.