Makaravilakku festival in Sabarimala
Why is it in news?
- All arrangements for Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala, with COVID-19 restrictions have been completed.
Makaravilakku festival in Sabarimala:
- It is celebrated at the sacred grove of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala.
- It is an annual seven-day festival, beginning on the day of Makara Sankranti when the sun is in the summer solstice.
- The highlight of the festival is the appearance of Makarajyothi- a celestial star which appears on the day of Makara Sankranthi on top of Kantamala Hills.
- Makara Vilakku ends with the ritual called 'Guruthi', an offering made to appease the god and goddesses of the wilderness.