Sabarimala Temple opens on 30 December 2010 for Makaravilakku Festival. 30 December 2010 marks the 15th day in Dhanu masam of 1186 year in Malayalam calendar. Makaravilakku festival date is 14 January 2011. Makara Jyoti appears at Sabarimala hills from 6 pm to 7 pm on this day. Special pujas mark the occasion.
Ayyappa devotees conclude their Ayyappa deeksha on Makaravilakku day by offering ‘irumudi’ to the Lord. Sabarimala temple closes for Ayyappa Mandala Puja and Makaravilakky 2011 season on 20th January 2011 (6th day in Makaram masam of 1186 year as per Malayalam calendar).