The recent disruption in aravana distribution, blamed on the closure of the board’s production plant, has exposed gaps in the preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage season, prompting the BJP and several devotee organisations to publicly question the TDB’s readiness.
BJP state general secretary Anoop Antony alleged that even basic supplies such as coconut for the Irumudi kettu were lacking, and that Kerala State Road Transport Corporation services to Pampa have been repeatedly disrupted since the temple opened for the monthly puja in the Malayalam month of Kanni. The party has demanded that the Sabarimala temple be handed over to the Union government and plans to send a delegation to assess the situation.
Devotee bodies, including the Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham (ABASS) and the Hindu Aikya Vedi, have echoed the criticism. ABASS general secretary D. Vijayakumar warned that the pace of work on the aravana plant and the procurement of raw materials was “tardy,” urging the TDB to secure adequate buffer stocks, improve drinking‑water provision and ensure transparent, affordable food distribution for pilgrims.
In response, the TDB is accelerating work on the aravana production plant. Officials say work on 12 of the 26 pans is being fast‑tracked, with a target to complete the plant by the first week of October. A review chaired by Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan set a buffer‑stock goal of 70 lakh cans for the pilgrimage season; the board now estimates it can only achieve about 50 lakh cans if the plant becomes fully operational immediately after the Thulam month puja.
The board also faces delays in securing raw‑material contracts and completing sample testing, pushing up costs and postponing jaggery deliveries that normally arrive in August. TDB president K. Jayakumar, after meeting the chief minister on September 23, 2026, said the state government has pledged full support, that he will remain president, and that reforms such as e‑tendering have been introduced to curb vested‑interest interference.
Jayakumar assured that the aravana shortage will be resolved before the peak pilgrimage rush and that the board will continue to provide “pride‑worthy” services. Nonetheless, critics warn that any failure to meet the buffer‑stock target could strain devotees’ experience during the season’s busiest weeks.