Makaravilakku 2026 | Sabarimala Makara Vilakku Festival in 2026

Makaravilakku is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually at Sabarimala temple in Kerala, marking the sacred sighting of the “Makara Jyoti” and culminating with the lighting of the Makaravilakku “flame” atop Ponnambalamedu hill near the temple. The event draws hundreds of thousands of devotees who undertake intense austerities and pilgrimage to witness it, coinciding with Makara Sankranti in mid-January.​

Meaning and Rituals

• “Makara” refers to the zodiac sign Capricorn; “Vilakku” means lamp or light.​

• Pilgrims observe a strict 41-day fast, celibacy, and lifestyle austerities, beginning in November-December, culminating in the Sabarimala pilgrimage.​

• Each devotee carries an “irumudi” bundle (containing a coconut filled with ghee and offerings) during the trek and wears mala beads symbolizing devotion to Lord Ayyappa.​

• The “Thiruvabharanam” (sacred gold ornaments of the deity) are carried in a ceremonial procession from Pandalam Palace to Sabarimala, believed protected by Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s eagle mount.​

The Sacred Flame and Jyoti

• The Makaravilakku flame is lit three times at Ponnambalamedu hill during the Deeparadhana (evening worship), visible from the temple and regarded as a divine sign by devotees. However, it was later acknowledged to be a ritualistic, human-lit fire rather than a miraculous occurrence.​

• The “Makara Jyoti” refers to the coinciding appearance of the Sirius star in the sky that night, believed to be sacred.​

Historical and Cultural Significance

• The festival is deeply rooted in local tribal rituals and later institutionalized by the Travancore Devaswom Board.​

• It is the climax of the Sabarimala pilgrimage and marks the enshrinement of Lord Ayyappa’s idol, symbolizing Dharma Sastha.​

• Festivities last seven days from Makara Sankranti, featuring unique Kerala traditions and massive gatherings of devotees from all over India.​​

Key celebrations:

Makaravilakku: Sacred flame lit three times on Ponnambalamedu; main event

Makara Jyoti: Celestial sighting of Sirius star above the forested hills ​

Thiruvabharanam Procession: Gold ornaments taken from Pandalam Palace to temple ​

41-Day Vratham: Strict fasting, celibacy, prayer, and austerities ​

Irumudi: Sacred travel bundle with offerings ​

Mandala Puja: Concludes with Makara Vilakku festival

Makaravilakku stands as one of South India’s most revered religious gatherings, blending ancient tradition, ritual devotion, and immense collective faith.

Makara Vilakku for 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Sabarimala Temple, Kerala, coinciding with Makara Sankranti.​

Festival Schedule Overview

• Temple Opening for Festival: Sabarimala temple will open for the Makara Vilakku Mahotsavam from December 30, 2025, and remain open through January 20, 2026 to accommodate arriving pilgrims.​

• Makara Jyoti Darshan: The sacred Makara Jyoti (celestial star) and Makaravilakku “flame” will be witnessed on January 14, 2026 in the evening, usually between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm IST at Ponnambalamedu hill and visible from the temple premises.​

• Thiruvabharanam Procession: On Makara Vilakku day, the gold ornaments (Thiruvabharanam) are ceremonially brought from Pandalam Palace to the temple and adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa before evening deeparadhana.​

• Festival Culmination: Temple will close for the festival after January 20, 2026.​

Daily Schedule Highlights for January 14, 2026

Morning: Regular darshan, special pujas

Afternoon: Arrival and adornment of Thiruvabharanam

Evening: Maha Deeparadhana (main aarti of Lord Ayyappa)

Around 6-7 pm: Makara Jyoti appears in the sky, Makaravilakku flame lit

7 pm onwards:Bhajans, chanting of “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa”, dispersal

Makara Vilakku marks the most significant day of the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, with lakhs of devotees gathering to witness the auspicious Jyoti and participate in elaborate traditions.