The shrine gets thonged with hundreads of thousands of devotees during the main pilgrim season from November to January every year. Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures. Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Pilgrims without consideration of caste, creed, position or status visit Lord Ayyappa every year. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.