Onam at Sannidhanam

Onam, the grand festival of the Kerala, is celebrated with great significance at Sabarimala. The festivities begin with the monthly poojas in the Malayalam month Chingam (August – September).  After the monthly poojas the temple will reopen during Onam.

On the eve of Uthradam, the Tantri opens the temple doors, and the pooja (ceremonies) commence. For Uthradam, the feast prepared by Melshanti is in honour of Lord Ayyappa. Under the guidance of the Tantri, vegetables for the Uthrada Sadya are chopped, and sadya is served to all devotees who come for darshan.

On Thiruvonam Day, Sadya (grand feast) is offered to Lord Ayyappa by Devaswom staff members and the Kerala Police. The Devaswom Board organizes the Onam Sadya on Avittam, while the Police's Sadya takes place on Chathayam. Alternatively, an individual Onasadya can be offered on Chathayam in the presence of Sabarishan. The Malikappuram Melshanti also receives an Onam Sadya in his honour.

Special poojas are conducted on Uthradam, Thiruvonam, Avittam and Chathayam, including Udayastamaya Pooja, 25 Kalashabhishekam, Kalabhabhishekam, Padipooja and Pushpabhishekam, marking the joyous celebration of Onam at Sannidhanam.