Thiruvananthapuram: Aravana distribution could be another major worry for the authorities at Sabarimala this year. Adding to the multitude of problems at the pilgrim centre, a company assigned to supply containers for the exquisite prasadam has withdrawn from the contract it signed with the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB).
The TDB is planning to sue the Vighneswara Packs of Kollam, but the problem is it may not be able to find alternative supplies of crores of containers required for the peak Mandalakala-Makaravilakku season. The payasam is normally packed and sealed in containers that pilgrims find it easy to carry home.
The Devaswom floated tenders for the supply of containers in July this year. Vighneswara was given the contract because it had quoted the lowest rate. However, the company approached the Supreme Court and obtained an order that allowed a negotiated price. A deal was then signed with Vighneswara for 1.8 crore containers at Rs 4.40 a piece.
As per the contract, Vighneswara is obliged to supply 50% of the containers before October 31. However, the company says they got the order from TDB only on November 8.
The company also has told the TDB it cannot make a security deposit of Rs 1 crore as demanded. It has demanded that the Board reduce the deposit amount, and has made it clear that it is not possible to supply the required number of containers within the stipulated time.
Aravana is being distributed now in the 80 lakh containers left over from the previous season. Once it gets over, the choice is only to use utensils to distribute the prasadam if the new containers do not arrive.
TDB Commissioner N. Vasu said the Board is moving for legal action since Vighneswara has informed that it cannot supply the containers as required by the contract.
Prasadam, the devotional offering made to a god, is shared among the devotees.