TDB meets NSS, SNDP leadership, extends formal invite to Global Ayyappa Sangamam

In a move to consolidate support for the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president P.S. Prashanth on Sunday (September 6, 2025) met with key community leaders and extended formal invitations for them to attend the event.

As part of this outreach, Mr. Prashanth personally visited G. Sukumaran Nair, general secretary of the Nair Service Society (NSS), at the NSS headquarters in Perunna, and Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan at his residence in Kanichukulangara.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Prashanth said both leaders expressed their full support for the event. While Mr. Nair refrained from commenting publicly on the visit, Mr. Natesan openly reaffirmed his backing and criticised a parallel event being organised by Sangh Parivar-affiliated groups. He also reiterated the demand to withdraw cases registered against Ayyappa devotees during the 2018 Sabarimala protests.

“The Global Ayyappa Sangamam will bring recognition to Sabarimala at the international level and open up major revenue opportunities. Linking the event to elections is baseless. Those making such claims are firing shots in the dark. Controversies should be set aside,” Mr. Natesan said.

Fame to spread

He said that Sabarimala’s fame would expand worldwide through the initiative. “At present, most devotees come from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, with smaller numbers from North India. But Ayyappa is known not only across India but around the world. There are Ayyappa devotees everywhere. This initiative will further spread Ayyappa’s devotion and significance, attracting a huge number of pilgrims to Kerala. Along with that, foreign exchange will flow into India,” Mr. Natesan said.

The NSS has agreed to send a representative to the Sangamam, while Mr. Nair will abstain from attending due to health reasons. In offering its support, the organisation also set conditions to keep the event free from political interference and ensure that the customs and traditions of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple are respected.

The TDB’s outreach comes amid strong opposition from the United Democratic Front (UDF) and Sangh Parivar organisations over the event. The Board president, meanwhile, is scheduled to meet leaders of other Hindu community organisations in the coming days to secure broader support.

While backing of the NSS and the SNDP Yogam has already been secured, the Pandalam Palace has yet to confirm attendance at either the TDB-organised summit or the one by the Sabarimala Karma Samithi.

With the SNDP openly endorsing the Sangamam and the NSS confirming participation, the State government is also counting on the presence of these influential community organisations to prevent the UDF from mounting overt opposition to the event.