Malaysian currency makes it the most at the depository this season at Sabarimala

Singapore makes it the most offerings to Lord Ayyappan from a foreign country. The Sri Lankan rupee is also close. But in terms of value, the Malaysian ringgit is far ahead. The Sri Lankan rupee doesn't even cost 50 paise when a ringgit is valued at Rs 17. During the Mandala-Makara Vilakku season, the Rinkett worth more than a crore worth gets often at  Sabarimala this season. Singapore and US dollars are no less. The UAE is the next largest currency notes from the Gulf countries.

This time a few notes from Poland also got in the bhandaram. Even notes from countries not familiar with Malayali have been also got at Sabarimala. Gacha in Malawi, Cedis in Ghana and Larry in Georgia are the other foreign notes got at Sabarimala. This season, Sabarimala treasury also got currencies from South Africa's Rand, Egyptian Pound, Myanmar's Kyat, Bhutan's Ngultrums, Vietnam's Dong and Won in Korea.

Most of the devotees who come from Malaysia to Sabarimala are from Tamil Nadu. It is customary for them to hand over all the rupees they have kept in their piggy box for a year. Most of the notes are covered with turmeric and ashes. Many of these notes are not worth using. Sometimes even banned notes are deposited here. Devotees write their requests on these notes. About 10 percent of the foreign currencies received during the season are torn or unusable.

Foreign notes collected from the treasury will be counted in the presence of the Dhanlaxmi Bank Manager Vigilance Officer. Dhanalakshmi Bank Manager Praveen said that this would be handed over to the highest bidder through an open tender at four exchange houses in Ernakulam. However, Assistant Manager Rakesh said that there is no way to convert foreign coins into Indian Rupees.