The sacred Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple successfully observed the annual Makaravilakku festival and Makara Jyoti darshan on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, coinciding with Makara Sankranti. Thousands of devotees gathered at the shrine and surrounding vantage points, including Ponnambalamedu hill, to witness the revered Makara Jyoti. The entire temple premises resonated with fervent chants of 'Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa' as pilgrims experienced the auspicious event. The Makara Jyoti, a sacred flame, appeared at approximately 6:45 PM on Ponnambalamedu, casting a saffron glow against the evening sky. Prior to this, the 'Thiruvabharanam' procession, carrying the sacred jewels intended to adorn Lord Ayyappa, arrived at Sannidhanam, where temple authorities and dignitaries received it. Following the adornment of the idol with these holy ornaments, the 'Deeparadhana' (aarati) was performed. The Makara Sankrama Pooja, marking the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan), also took place earlier in the day. The event marked the culmination of the extensive 41-day Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, which commenced in November. State authorities implemented elaborate security and crowd-control measures to ensure the safety and smooth darshan for the lakhs of pilgrims present. This annual ritual holds immense religious significance for millions of devotees across India, who undertake the arduous pilgrimage to receive the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.