Chithira Aattathirunal at Sabarimala Temple is celebrated in Thulam Month of Malayalam calendar. In 2023, Chithira Aattathirunal dates are – November 10 and November 11.
Melsanthi (head priest) accompanied by Tantri (chief priest) of the temple will open the sanctum sanctorum at 5.30 p.m. on 10 November.
The rituals will begin with an Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam in the morning. Kalabhabhishekom, Pushpabhishekom, Ashtabhishekom, Udayasthamanapuja and Padipuja will be performed in connection with the festival. The temple will be closed after Athazhapuja.
The temple will reopen on 16 November 2023 for the two-month Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season beginning the next day.