SANNIDHANAM: Lakhs of pilgrims at Sabarimala on Monday evening witnessed the ‘celestial’ light that appeared on the horizon thrice in quick succession, sparking religious fervour.

The sighting of the ‘celestial’ light is considered the most holy event in the two-month peak festival season which ends within a few days. Called ‘Makara jyothi’, the sighting takes place every year on the first day of the Malayalam month in January.

By Monday morning itself, every inch of space at the temple top and the nearby hills was occupied by pilgrims, mostly from the southern states.

Soon after 6.45 p.m., the first light appeared, amid religious cries, followed by the second and third lights.