Pathanamthitta, Monday 16 August 2010: The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala will be opened on Monday evening for the celebration of Malayalam New Year and Onam festival.

Lord Ayyappa temple will remain open for darshan for nine days and close on August 25 evening.

Laksharchana would be conducted at the temple on the first day Malayalam month of Chingam, Sabarimala executive officer Jayakumar said. Sahasrakalasam would be held at the temple on August 20,21,23,24 and 25.

Devotees would be offered Onasadya from august 22 to 25, Jayakumar said.