Pathanamthitta: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the Global Ayyappa Samgamam at Pampa Manappuram on Saturday at 10 am, with Minister V N Vasavan, who handles Cooperation, Ports, and Devaswom, presiding. Ministers from across states, Kerala cabinet members, legislators, cultural leaders, and representatives of various organisations will attend.

The summit will host three parallel sessions:

1. Sabarimala master plan – Experts and officials will discuss long-term projects on infrastructure, environmental protection, and pilgrim welfare, aiming to balance modern facilities with temple traditions.

2. Spiritual tourism circuits – Industry leaders will explore ways to link Sabarimala with other cultural and spiritual hubs in Kerala, enhancing the pilgrim experience while promoting heritage and the local economy.

3. Crowd management & facilities – Police, health experts, and technology partners will present new systems for crowd control, healthcare, and inter-departmental coordination.

Eco-friendly German hangar pavilions have been set up at three locations. The main venue, spread over 43,000 sq ft, will host the inaugural and valedictory sessions, with seating for 3,000 delegates and a 2,400 sq ft stage. Green and media rooms are attached. Two more pavilions on the hilltop will serve panel discussions (4,500 sq ft) and dining (7,000 sq ft), while another dining pavilion has been built on the riverbank. A 2,000 sq ft pavilion will host an exhibition to mark the Travancore Devaswom Board’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction has overseen the facilities, including waste management. All structures will be dismantled after the event, and Pampa’s restrooms have been refurbished.

Programme schedule
6 am – Delegate registration
9 am to 11 am – Inaugural session
Parallel sessions
Lunch
Music performance by Vijay Yesudas
3.20 pm – Discussion summary
Valedictory session and conclusion

Delegates will also be offered darshan at Sabarimala.