Sabarimala is one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages. Since the 11th century, it has been a sacred site in Kerala dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity who symbolises purity, self-discipline, and devotion to a higher spiritual purpose.

Across December and January, up to 5 crore (50M) devotees make the trek to the Sree Ayyappan Temple atop a mountain along the banks of the Pampa River. The arduous 4 km climb is surrounded by dense forests, but the path had become overwhelmed with tons of waste, threatening the wildlife, plants and soil. 

In 2011, the Kerala Government sought help from Amma for a public clean-up drive. More than 5,000 Amala Bharatam volunteers rallied with cleaning supplies and rubber boots. People, aged between 18 and 80, from all walks of life, cultures and countries worked with love for Mother Nature. After three days, they collected 50,000 bags of garbage, including plastics and discarded clothing.

The next year, volunteers also built a temporary dam where the river had been blocked for many years—exposing a riverbed with waste wrapped around stones and buried in mud. Teams removed and disposed of 98 truckloads within two days and the Pampa River flowed freely again. 

Amala Bharatam annual cleanup drives continued until 2017, strengthening the inherent bond between humankind and our natural world. In 2018, the Kerala Government declared the site a plastic-free zone and dumping clothes was banned.

Over the years, a total of 20,035 volunteers gathered 2.1 lakh (212,000) bags of trash. For them, cleaning was not just about cleaning. Cleaning was joyful. Cleaning was purifying. Cleaning was a labour of love. Slowly but surely, reverence for the ancient forests, hills, river, and skies deepened in the hearts of Lord Ayyappa devotees once again.