Global Ayyappa Samgamam: Event management, infrastructure contract pegged at ₹8.22 cr

Thiruvananthapuram/Pathanamthitta: The recently held Global Ayyappa Samgamam, organised by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) as part of its platinum jubilee celebrations, incurred an estimated cost of ₹8.22 crore for event management and infrastructure, according to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the agency.

The event, held on September 20 at Pampa Manappuram (on the banks of the Pampa river) in Pathanamthitta, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Conceived as a platform for unveiling the Sabarimala Master Plan, the Samgamam aimed to outline the future development of Sabarimala as a global pilgrimage centre.

According to the MoU signed between the TDB and the Indian Institute of Infrastructure and Construction (IIC) on September 15, the total financial commitment amounted to ₹8,22,42,147. This covered infrastructural facilities, amenities, and event management services. The document also notes that IIC sought an advance payment of ₹4.11 crore (50 per cent of the total estimated amount) to initiate arrangements.

“Sanction is accorded for the release of ₹3 crore to the account furnished by IIC as an advance,” the MoU states, adding that the balance would be released after the event, subject to bill verification.

Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board on Saturday dismissed reports that money from its surplus fund was used for the event, terming them “baseless.” The Board clarified that the entire expenditure for the Samgamam was met through sponsorships deposited in a dedicated bank account opened in the name of the Devaswom Accounts Officer.

The Board further explained that its annual budget includes a specific allocation under the head “Religious Conventions and Discourses” for conducting religious gatherings and talks. For the current financial year, ₹5 crore was earmarked under this category.

Reiterating that “not even a single rupee” from the surplus fund was used, the Board said Section 26 of the Travancore-Cochin Hindu Religious Institutions (TCHRI) Act, 1950, prescribes strict conditions for any such expenditure.

“While the Board is permitted to use its funds for religious conventions, it has adopted a policy of covering such expenses entirely through sponsorships,” the TDB noted, adding that any unspent balance after the event will be credited back to the Devaswom fund.

The event featured eco-friendly German hangar pavilions set up across three locations at Pampa. The main venue, spread over 43,000 sq ft, hosted the inaugural and valedictory sessions, with a 2,400 sq ft stage and adjoining green and media rooms. Two additional hangars were erected on the hilltop — one for panel discussions (4,500 sq ft) and another for dining (7,000 sq ft) — while an extra dining pavilion was built along the riverbank. A 2,000 sq ft exhibition pavilion showcased the TDB’s platinum jubilee milestones.

IIC supervised all facilities, including waste management and site maintenance. All temporary structures were dismantled after the event, and the restrooms at Pampa were refurbished as part of the cleanup efforts.