Kerala celebrates Malayalam New Year as Sabarimala temple opens

The Sabarimala temple in Kerala has opened for the Chingam month, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. Large numbers of pilgrims are arriving at the shrine, prompting authorities to implement crowd management strategies, including a virtual queue booking system and enhanced transport arrangements to ensure safety and convenience.

Political leaders across the state have marked the occasion with religious observances. Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan offered prayers at the Edappally Ganapathy and Peruvaram Mahadeva temples, noting that the day also serves as Farmers' Day. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala visited the Guruvayur temple, while Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended greetings to the public, wishing for prosperity and a bountiful harvest.