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Ayyappa Seva Sangham begins free food distribution at Karimala

Pilgrims offering prayers near the Pampa river before proceeding to Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple on Thursday | SHAJI VETTIPURAM

SABARIMALA: The Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham (ABASS) has started free food distribution to the Sabarimala pilgrims at Karimala on the traditional forest trekking path of Erumely-Azhutha-Valiyanavattom-Pampa.The free food distribution facility of the ABASS - having a history of at least three decades - began early as the flow of pilgrims began from the first day of the Mandala Pooja season.

Headed by 90-year-old Gurumurthi Chettiar of Salem in Tamil Nadu, the 20-member ABASS team distributes food to the pilgrims on the way to Sabarimala after touching Karimala, Valiyanavattom and Pampa.

Chettiar collects food items, including rice and other provisions, from Salem and nearby places and brings them to Pampa. “Serving the pilgrims is a privilege given by Lord Ayyappa for the last three decades,” he said. “I will continue to serve the devotees at Karimala as long as my health condition permits.”

On reaching Pampa, the food and other raw materials will be transported to Karimala by hiring head load workers. The water needed for the preparation of the food is made available from a pond located about 60 ft below by installing two pumps.

In addition to free food, the ABASS camp offers medicated water to the pilgrims. As the Forest Department has put restrictions on pilgrims at Karimala after 5 pm due to the threat of wild animals on the route between Karimala and Valiyanavattom, the camp attracts hundreds of pilgrims in the evening.

The absence of  toilets and water is the main issue faced by the pilgrims at Karimala. With the increased flow in the coming days and Makaravilakku season, the authorities should find a solution to the lack of basic facilities at Karimala.