Kochi: The procession carrying the Thanka Anki, the attire in gold to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa during the Mandala Pooja on December 27, began its journey from Aranmula Sree Parthasarathi temple at 7.15 am on Tuesday.

The Anki, donated by the Travancore Royal Family, was taken in a specially built vehicle from Aranmula after performing pujas. Hundreds of devotees thronged the Aranmula temple to offer prayers before the procession.

A 20-member team from Pathanamthitta Armed Reserve camp, besides Devaswom Guards, are giving security to the procession which was accorded receptions at Moorthitta Sree Ganapathi temple, Punnamthottam Devi temple, Thiruvan-chamkunnu temple, Kozhenchery, Pampadimon temple, Elanthur Sree Ganapathi temple, Bhagavathikunnu Devi temple, Elavumthitta Devi temple and Prakanam devi temple before the first-night halt at Omallur Sree Rakthakandaswami temple.

Similar receptions will be accorded at different points before it reaches Pampa on Dec 26. The golden attire will adorn Lord Ayyappa idol before the deeparadhana and also prior to the Mandala Pooja on December 27.