Sacred Tradition Crosses the Tarmac: Thiruvananthapuram Airport Pauses for Painkuni Arattu
Flight services at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport were halted for five hours to accommodate the Painkuni Arattu, a centuries-old temple procession. The event included the Travancore royal family and ceremonial elements like elephants and a police band, reflecting the blend of heritage and devotion in Kerala.
- Country:
- India
Flight operations at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport experienced a temporary suspension on Thursday afternoon for the sacred 'Painkuni Arattu' procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The airport halted flights from 4:45 pm to 9 pm to allow for the bi-annual centuries-old ceremony to pass through the runway.
The procession involved the Travancore royal family, caparisoned elephants, and a mounted police squad, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Sree Moolam Tirunal Rama Varma, the current head of the erstwhile royal family, led the procession, which proceeded across the airport tarmac to Shankumugham beach for ritualistic dips in the sea.
This practice, preserved even after the airport's construction in 1932, showcases the enduring intersection of tradition and modernity. Post procession, flight services resumed promptly with the issuing of a NOTAM, ensuring a smooth return to normal airport operations.
Google News