Pilgrims protest at Sabarimala following Aravana shortage
Pilgrims at the Sabarimala temple protested due to a shortage of Aravana prasadam caused by maintenance at the production plant and poor stock management. The Travancore Devaswom Board faced criticism for failing to anticipate the high turnout ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage season.
Why it matters
Logistical failures at major religious sites can lead to significant public unrest and reflect on the administrative efficiency of temple management boards.
The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple witnessed widespread protests on Sunday (September 20, 2026) after a shortage of Aravana, a key offering at the temple, left pilgrims waiting for hours, with several returning without the prasadam after darshan.
The shortage hit the temple as the Aravana production plant at the Sannidhanam remained shut for maintenance. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), meanwhile, failed to ensure adequate buffer stock, forcing the authorities to restrict Aravana distribution.
On Sunday, pilgrims were given only three packets each of Appam and one tin each of Aravana. The shortage had triggered protests on Saturday (September 19, 2026) as well, with pilgrims waiting in queues for hours to get a single tin. At times, the protests also warranted police intervention, with personnel stepping in to pacify the agitated devotees.
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