Concrete Appam and Aravana at Sabarimala?

Kerala Kaumudi reports that ‘Sharkkara’ [sugar candy] for making prasadam at Sabarimala is being brought in unhealthy cement bags made of plastic. This despite the fact that Sabarimala is a plastic-free zone.  Till last year, jute bags were being used as container. Suppliers have changed the practice to suit their convenience.

The Sharkkara is to be accepted only after testing at the lab at Pampa. It is then carried in tractors to the Sannidhanam. The Devaswam guards and lab/ministerial staff members who are supposed to oversee this do not care about the new unhealthy practice. Devotees are thus likely to receive tough cement-coated Appam and Aravana this year. Swami Sharanam!