The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is set to reopen on December 30 for the Makaravilakku festival, which culminates on January 14, 2026. The sanctum sanctorum will be opened by the chief priest in the presence of the head priest. Preparations include large-scale cleanliness drives and medical teams deployed for the expected influx of devotees. During the preceding Mandalam season, over 3.6 million devotees visited, with significant online and spot bookings.