Makaravilakku

Makaravilakku is a festival in Kerala. The event happens in the shrine of Sabarimala. Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta has been a major pilgrim centre attracting lakhs of devotees from all over India, more so from southern States. The presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa known as Dharma Sastha, a considered symbol of unity between Vaishnavites and Saivites. Darma Sastha is believed to have fulfilled his mission in life and rejoined his Supreme Self, enshrined at Sabarimala. The festival mood reaches its crescendo on Makara Vilaku day which falls on 14 January.The Thiruvabharana procession is one of the important features of the Makaravilakku festival. When the Sreekovil opens for 'deeparadhana', the Lord is seen in His entire divine splendour, adorned with the jewelled gold ornaments. At the distant eastern hilly horizon, the light of 'jyothi' appears to the immense satisfaction of the thousands of devotees who have thronged the temple. The occasion is also marked by the divine appearance of the 'star' in the eastern sky and the hovering 'krishnapparunthu' far above the temple. This marks the grand finale of the two-month period to the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Situated not far from the is a shrine in the name of Vavar, a Muslim, who was thought to be a close aide  of Sri Ayyappa. It is a rare experience to see the Hindu devotees worshipping at the shrine of Vavar  indicating the communal harmony in Kerala.