In Kerala, the hill shrine of Sabarimala is gearing up for the Makara Vilakku festival to be observed tomorrow, coinciding with Makara Sankrama night, when devotees will witness the appearance of the Makarajyothi at Ponnambalamedu. Rituals, including the procession with Thiruvabharanam,  the sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa,  will be held as part of the celebrations.

 

Thousands of pilgrims have already reached the area and are camping at various locations. Security has been tightened at the Sannidhanam and Makarjyothi viewpoints, with restrictions imposed on pilgrim movement during peak hours.  Only 30,000 pilgrims will be allowed through the virtual queue on Wednesday.