India

TDB Prepares for Ghee Shortage Ahead of Sabarimala Pilgrimage

By PTI

Thiruvananthapuram – Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president K. Jayakumar said on Monday that the board is concerned about a potential shortage of ghee at Sabarimala and is taking steps to secure additional supplies. Speaking after a board meeting held ahead of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple pilgrimage season, Jayakumar noted that there were no worries about the availability of aravana and appam, two prasadam items served to devotees. He admitted that the new Lord Ayappa Temple, opened as part of Sree Chithira Atta Vishesham, experienced shortcomings in its arrangements, including a two‑hour period in the morning with no appam and complaints about water shortages at some locations. The problems arose during a transition period when last year’s contracts expired on 31 October and new contracts had not yet taken effect as of 15 November. "These shortcomings have been brought to our attention, and the board has made certain arrangements to ensure better preparedness," Jayakumar said. While the board is not worried about aravana and appam production, it is concerned that existing ghee stocks are gradually declining. The board discussed steps to procure additional ghee to meet demand until fresh supplies become available from 17 November, when devotees begin arriving as part of the Sabarimala season and start making ghee offerings. No final decision has been taken yet, as the board wants to examine legal aspects, including potential issues arising from last year’s procurement cases and disputes. "We have to procure ghee somehow. But we will proceed only after obtaining legal advice and examining the related issues," he added.