Thiruvananthapuram, April 2: A unique scene unfolded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala as flights were temporarily halted to honor an ancient tradition. This occurred during the Pankuni Arattu festival, a significant religious event linked to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
As part of this tradition, the temple’s deities are taken for a sacred bath, known as ‘Arattu,’ in the sea. On the final day of this ten-day festival, the idols of Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimha, and Krishna Swamy were paraded approximately six kilometers from the temple to Shankumukham Beach. Notably, the procession passed directly over the active runway of the airport.
This tradition dates back to the era of the Travancore royal family, which constructed the airport in 1932. The procession featured beautifully adorned elephants, traditional musical instruments, and members of the royal family. After a brief stop near the runway, the procession continued to the Arabian Sea, where the deities were bathed with due rituals.
As night fell, a return procession illuminated by torches marked the conclusion of the festival, witnessed by thousands of devotees. Before resuming flight operations, the runway underwent thorough inspection and cleaning.
Adani Airport Holdings Limited, which operates the airport, coordinated with temple authorities and local officials to ensure the event was conducted safely. The company took over the airport’s operations in 2021 and has worked closely with local administration to facilitate the smooth conduct of the procession while adhering to aviation safety standards.
This ongoing tradition reflects Kerala’s unique cultural identity, where modern systems coexist with ancient practices. By supporting this event through its airport business, the Adani Group demonstrates a commitment to honoring and preserving India’s vibrant traditions.
This sentiment was also evident when Gautam Adani, the group’s chairman, visited the Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya for prayers with his family. The event in Thiruvananthapuram symbolizes how development and tradition can progress hand in hand.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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