Sabarimala temple in Kerala gears up for its annual 'Makaravilakku' festival today. The temple and its premises that used to be jam-packed with over a lakh pilgrims normally, will only see 5,000 pilgrims this time owing to the pandemic situation.<br />''<br />''Makaravilakku, a lamp lit in the forest areas of Ponnambalamedu on the mountain surrounding the hill shrine, and Makarajyothi, the star that appears in the sky are the highlights of the Makaravilakku festival.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The Makaravilakku will appear at around 6.45 p.m. Devotees are allowed in temple till 19th of January. The temple will be closed on 20th at 6.30 a.m. with the conclusion of the Makaravilakku festival season.</span><br />