PATHANAMTHITTA: Ayyappa Seva Samaj urged devotees to abandon their pilgrimage in Sabarimala and instead asked to perform the rituals in their own houses. The government is trying to violate rituals in the name of COVID restrictions. The samajam said that the change in the ceremonies including neyyabhishekam and Pampa bath would lead to violations of rituals and customs and would approach the high court against this.

The Samajam has decided to hold an Ayyappa Mahasangam on November 8 against the government's stand for stopping the customs and rituals. It will be held in Pandalam Palace and in 18 venues inside and outside Kerala. Kummanam Rajashekaran, Akkeraman Kalidasa Bhattathiripad and representative of Panadalam Palace Sasikumara Varma will preside over the function.

The government imposing restrictions on all customs are not interested in controlling hundi offerings. The government is imposing restrictions without holding any talks with the tantri and representative of the Pandalam palace. This is unconstitutional. The samajam urged the government and the devaswom board to re-examine the decision.