The Sri Lankan Cabinet has determined to provide recognition to the annual pilgrimage by nationals to the Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala, Kerala, based on a cupboard assertion launched on Tuesday (August 12, 2025).
The choice was taken on the Cabinet assembly held in Colombo on Monday (August 11, 2025).
Every yr, over 15,000 Sri Lankan nationals go to Sabarimala, the assertion stated, including “the pilgrimage will be treated as one recognised by the government.”
“For a long period of time Sri Lankan devotees have been worshipping the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Kovil (shrine) in Kerala, India, every year from November 1 to January 31 of the following year,” it stated.
The annual Mandala puja competition on the Ayyappa shrine in Sabarimala takes place between November and December. Thereafter, the temple opens for the Makaravilakku pilgrimage, which ends in January. The shrine closes after the pilgrimage season ends.
