Pamba Vilakku

Ayyappa devotees light a lamp in the Pamba river as a symbol of Ayyappa's victory over Marava Pada. Pilgrims from Ambalappuzha and Alangad, after Petta Thullal at Erumeli   reach the Pamba through Karimala. Following this, they partake of the Pamba Sadya feast.

In the evening, during the Deeparadhana at Sabarimala, the Pamba Vilakku is lit at Pamba Triveni. The lamp, known as a tower lamp, is constructed from reed sticks cut from the forest, bundled together artistically to resemble a tower. Banana stems are tied at the base of the lamp to ensure it floats on the water, and earthen lamps are placed within the structure. Nowadays, most lamps are lit with candles.

These tower lamps float down the Pamba river at Triveni Sangam. The sight of thousands of these lamps drifting and illuminating the river is a mesmerizing spectacle. In this serene and devotional atmosphere, the river and its surroundings resonate with the chants and calls for refuge from Ayyappa devotees.

After bathing in the Pamba, the devotees proceed to climb Neelimala for the Makaravilakku darshan, completing a significant part of their pilgrimage with renewed spiritual fervour.