Aravana production resumes at Sabarimala
Production of Aravana, a sweet offering, has resumed at Sabarimala after a month-long shutdown for renovation and capacity expansion. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) aims to significantly increase daily output and build a buffer stock for the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, addressing previous shortages that caused protests and political controversy.
Why it matters
The successful resumption and scaling of Aravana production are crucial for the Sabarimala temple's operations, ensuring devotee satisfaction and maintaining a significant revenue source, which impacts both religious practices and the local economy.
Aravana production at Sabarimala resumed on Wednesday (October 14) morning after a month-long shutdown for renovation and capacity expansion at the production plant.
According to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), the unit will initially produce around 1.5 lakh tins a day, with output expected to rise to around 3.5 lakh tins daily after October 20. At full capacity, the plant can produce between 3.25 lakh and 3.65 lakh tins a day, the board said.
TDB president K. Jayakumar dismissed reports of a shortage of rice and other raw materials, asserting that adequate stocks were available and all arrangements had been made to ensure uninterrupted production.
“There is nothing to worry about. Everything is in place, and production has resumed. Around 4.5 lakh tins of Aravana will be available when the temple opens for the Thulam pooja. Production will continue on a large scale,” he said.
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