Sabarimala: As lakhs of devotees continue to throng to see Lord Ayyappa in sacred ornaments and to witness the Makarajyothi and Makaravilakku at Ponnambalamedu, Sabarimala is all set for the big festival. According to Travancore Devaswom Board officials, nearly five lakh devotees from across the country would gather to witness Makaravilakku at 18 spots. Makara Samkrama Pooja will be held at 7.40 am and the Thiruvabharana procession from Pandalam will reach Sharamkuthi at 6 pm. The TDB officials will welcome the procession to Sannidhanam. The sanctum sanctorum will be opened for Darshan after adorning the idol with sacred ornaments while Makaravilakku will be lit at Ponnambalamedu.
Security forces have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the fest. Kerala police has deployed 3,250 men for the security cover. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh police, along with Rapid Action Force and Thunderbolt commandos are also in place. Along with Fire Force department and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), a full-fledged Incident Command Post (ICP) under District Disaster Management Authority has been set up at Sannidhanam. Representatives of all departments concerned will coordinate effectively in case of emergency.
Kerala Police, which is already conducting helicopter observation, has also taken the assistance of Anna University for a Joint Drone Operational Service with HD quality videos for security purposes.
