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The Makaravilakku festival was celebrated at the hill shrine of Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

About the Makaravilakku Festival

Makaravilakku is a significant annual Hindu festival celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
It marks the celestial event of the Sun entering the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makaram Rashi) and coincides with Makara Sankranti.
Celebrations are centred at the Sabarimala Temple, nestled in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala.
The event draws millions of devotees who chant “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa” in reference to Lord Ayyappa.
The festival typically lasts for seven days, beginning on Makara Sankranti.
Key Rituals and Events:
- A symbolic lamp ‘Makaravilakku’ is lit at Ponnambalamedu, a hill near Sabarimala, on the evening of Makara Sankranti.
- A divine star Makara Jyothi is believed to appear in the sky, symbolizing the blessings of Lord Ayyappa.
- Devotees undertake a strict 41-day penance (Vratham) before making the pilgrimage to the temple.

The festival signifies the merging of celestial and spiritual energies, celebrating devotion, purity, and self-discipline.
The tradition emphasizes equality, with all devotees wearing black or blue attire and carrying the “Irumudi Kettu” (a sacred bundle).

[2017] Consider the following pairs:

Traditions- Communities

1. Chaliha Sahib Festival- Sindhis

2. Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra- Gonds

3. Wari-Warkari- Santhals

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) None of the above