By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
All arrangements have been completed for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pampa on Saturday, where discussions will focus on transforming Sabarimala into a global pilgrimage destination.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Devaswom Minister V. N. Vasavan said the cost of the conclave is estimated at ₹7 crore, which will be funded entirely through sponsorships.
The Minister confirmed the participation of several community organisations, including Nair Service Society vice-president M. Sangeeth Kumar and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, besides Sabarimala tantri Mahesh Mohanaru, Pandalam Palace secretary M.R. Suresh Varma, among others. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the conclave, to be also attended by two Ministers representing the Government of Tamil Nadu. Although representatives of the Union government have been invited, no confirmation has been received so far.
“The event is a first of its kind, providing devotees of Lord Ayyappa a platform to share their ideas for the development of the Sabarimala temple. After due consultation with experts, these ideas will be compiled and used to frame a comprehensive development policy for the hill shrine,” the Minister said.
Out of more than 5,000 registrations received, 3,500 participants have been shortlisted. Discussions will be held in three parallel sessions. The first session will focus on the Sabarimala master plan, which includes development projects worth over ₹1,000 crore. The second session will deal with pilgrimage tourism, while the third will address crowd management. The master plan will also be presented at the conclave, with sponsorship support expected for its execution as well.
The larger vision behind the event is to elevate Sabarimala into a global pilgrimage destination. “Even in the previous pilgrimage season alone, the temple received about 5.16 million devotees, and it continues to attract large numbers during the monthly puja periods. These figures themselves testify to Sabarimala’s immense potential as a global spiritual centre,” the Minister added.
Beyond seeking the support of Ayyappa devotees and showcasing investment opportunities for infrastructure development, the event also aims to create a database of devotees from across the world and build a platform to facilitate their travel, return, and access to help desks. Developing the potential of pilgrimage tourism while preserving the traditions and customs of the shrine remains a key objective.
Arrangements have also been made for accommodation and transport, including 25 low-floor buses provided by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. Nearly 1,000 police personnel have been deployed in the area to ensure security and smooth conduct of the event.
Notwithstanding a declaration by the Minister, the uncertainty on whether representatives of the Pandalam Place will take part in the event as the State government is yet to respond to the key demands put forth by the palace as a pre-condition for attending the event.
