Kerala Sadya to Replace Pulao as Anna Prasadam at Sabarimala

Sabarimala pilgrims can look forward for delicious prasadam during their pilgrimage. From this year, the pilgrims to the Lord Ayyappa temple can relish tasty Kerala Sadya, as part of the traditional ‘Annadana prasadam’ offered at the shrine. The pulao and sambar served in the free meals will henceforth be replaced by Kerala Sadya.

Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar said the Board has felt that pulao and sambar were not appropriate for the Ayyappa devotees in the prasadam and so, decided to replace it with Kerala sadya, including ‘payasam’ (sweet pudding) and pappad.

He said that the money for annadanam is not taken from the TDB. It is the fund entrusted to the Board by the devotees to provide good food to the Lord Ayyappa pilgrims. It is a good decision taken by the Board, which has the responsibility to ensure the quality of annadanam at Sabarimala.

The Board’s decision has been conveyed to the officials concerned and it is expected to come into effect from Wednesday or Thursday. On December 18, a review meeting will be held to discuss the Sabarimala masterplan. Other decisions regarding preparations for the annual pilgrimage in 2026 will also be taken at the meeting. Preparations for the next year’s pilgrimage season will begin from February 2026, he said.