Overview

• The Global Ayyappa Sangamam at Pampa is presented by the TDB as a devotional, development-focused conclave, with the state limited to crowd management and funding promised only through corporate sponsors, not public or TDB funds.
• The High Court questioned the use of devotees’ resources, the TDB’s authority under the Devaswom Act, and the event’s branding, and it issued notices while seeking verifiable and credible sponsorship information.
• The UDF stopped short of a boycott but set conditions including withdrawal of 2018 protest cases and the state’s Supreme Court affidavit on women’s entry, as CPI(M) leaders said the issue was a closed chapter and the meet would proceed.
• Major community bodies NSS and SNDP have signalled support for the Sangamam, the government is courting their participation, and the Pandalam Palace has not decided on attending either gathering.
• Rival groups led by the Sabarimala Karma Samiti plan a ‘Sabarimala Samrakshana Sangamam’ at Pandalam on September 22, while BJP leaders continue to question the intent and timing of the TDB-led event.