Makaravilakku Festival

Makara Sankrama night witnesses the celestial phenomenon of the rise of the star Makara in the sky, and the Makarajyothi becomes visible at Ponnambalamedu. In the evening, after the Makaravilakku and subsequent lamp worship, the grand procession begins. This festival spans from the first to the fifth of Makaram (mid-January).

The key rituals during the Makaravilakku festival include Kalamezhuthu Pattu, Nayattu Vili, and Guruthi, performed before the closing of the shrine doors. For four days, ceremonies are conducted from Malikappuram to the Pathinettampadi (18 steps), and on the fifth day, the focus shifts to Sharamkuthi. These activities commence after the athazha pooja.

Two sacred chests, containing the Thiruvabharanam, are placed in the Manimandapam.  The colourful ascent to the Pathinettampadi (18 steps) is accompanied by musical instruments, flags, parasols, and thidambu (decorated replica of the deity).

On the fifth day, the journey to Sharamkuthi takes place. After the athazha pooja, the procession moves from the Manimandapam to Sharamkuthi. Lord Ayyappa is depicted as a mighty warrior with a moustache during this march. After reaching Sharamkuthi and performing the Nayattu Vili, Lord Ayyappa silently returns to the Manimandapam without any musical accompaniment. This silent return is believed to be accompanied by demons and mountain gods, signifying its solemn nature.

The festival concludes the next night after the Guruthi ritual, marking the end of the Makaravilakku celebrations.