Sabarimala Temple to Open This Evening for Onam Festival Pujas
24 Aug 2026Updated 22 days ago1 source
AI translation — this coverage was originally reported in Tamil; the translation may contain errors. Read the original reports below.
According to a report by Dinamani, the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappan temple will open on Monday evening at 5:00 PM for the annual Onam festival rituals. Devotees will be permitted to enter for darshan starting Tuesday morning at 5:00 AM. Special pujas will run through the festival period, and a traditional Onam feast will be served to all visiting devotees on August 26, before the temple closes on August 28.
NIKAN Intelligence
What happened
The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappan temple is set to open on Monday evening for the annual Onam festival special pujas. Melshanthi Prasad Namboothiri will open the sanctum sanctorum and light the lamp in the presence of Tantri Kandararu Brahmadathan.
Why it matters
Onam is a major festival period that attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and neighboring states. The Travancore Devaswom Board has made extensive crowd-management arrangements and scheduled a traditional feast for all visiting devotees.
What we know
- The temple opens at 5:00 PM on Monday.
- Devotees will be allowed for darshan from 5:00 AM on Tuesday (Uthradam day).
- Special pujas will be conducted on Uthradam, Thiruvonam, Avittam, and Chathayam days.
- A traditional Onam feast will be served to all visiting devotees on August 26.
- The temple will close on August 28 at 10:00 PM.
What we don't know
- The exact volume of pilgrims expected to visit over the four-day festival period.
- Specific transport arrangements or special buses scheduled from Tamil Nadu districts.
What's next
The temple doors will open at 5:00 PM today, and public darshan will commence tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM.
Generated by NIKAN's analysis engine from the cited reports only. Nothing here is invented; gaps are shown as unknowns. Always read the original coverage linked below.
Reported by · Read full coverage
NIKAN News aggregates and summarises reporting from independent publishers. Full articles remain the property of the original sources and open on their websites.
AI translation — may contain errors
More coverage

DMK and TVK clash in TN Assembly over Parandur airport project cancellation
A heated debate erupted in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly between DMK and TVK members following Chief Minister Vijay's announcement to cancel the Parandur airport project. TVK Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and C.D. Nirmal Kumar alleged that the project was pushed for real estate and private interests. DMK member Thangam Thennarasu strongly defended the original site selection and retorted with sharp counter-allegations.
AI translation — may contain errors
21 days agoSource: ABP Nadu +1 more2 sourcesTrend 81

Parandur Airport Project Scrapped: What Happens to Acquired Land Now?
Following Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's decision to scrap the proposed ₹27,400-crore Parandur greenfield airport project, questions have arisen regarding the fate of thousands of acres of acquired land. While the move concludes years of protests by farmers and villagers, the state government must now navigate legal provisions under the Land Acquisition Act to determine if the land can be returned to its original owners.
20 days agoSource: The Hindu — Tamil Nadu1 sourceTrend 81
TN Government Drops Parandur Airport Project Citing Farmers Livelihood Concerns
The Tamil Nadu government has decided to drop the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay prioritizing the livelihoods of local farmers and residents. To compensate, the capacity of the current Chennai airport will be expanded through new terminals, while officials look for an alternative location. The opposition DMK has criticized the move, citing potential long-term economic damage to the state.
22 days agoSource: Times of India — Chennai1 sourceTrend 80

Cauvery Dispute: Supreme Court Advises Tamil Nadu to Approach CWMA Over Water Shortfall
The Supreme Court has advised the Tamil Nadu government to approach the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) regarding its demand for proportionate water. The state informed the court that it faced a water shortfall of 17.414 TMC as of August 23, calculated under the pro rata formula.
22 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80

TN CM Vijay orders safe return of 103 pilgrims stranded in Nepal
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has directed ministers and state officials to coordinate the rescue and safe return of 103 pilgrims from the state. The pilgrims became stranded in Nepal on Wednesday following devastating floods in the country. The state government is monitoring the situation to ensure their safe evacuation.
19 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80
Nepal Floods: 20 Tamil Nadu Tourists Rescued, 83 Others Await Safety
A Tamil Nadu Minister stated that 20 tourists from a 57-member group visiting Nepal from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been rescued. However, rescue efforts for the remaining 34 members of the group have faced delays. Additionally, another group of 49 travellers who departed from Chennai to Nepal are also waiting to be brought to safety.
19 days agoSource: The Hindu — National1 sourceTrend 80