Thiruvananthapuram, 02 April (H.S.):Flight services at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be suspended for four hours on Thursday evening to facilitate the smooth conduct of the ceremonial procession associated with the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

According to airport authorities, operations will be halted from 4:45 pm to 9:00 pm on April 2 as part of arrangements for the ‘Painkuni Arattu’ procession, a significant ritual marking the culmination of the temple festival. Passengers have been advised to check with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules to avoid inconvenience.

The Arattu procession follows a unique route that passes through the airport premises, making it necessary to completely suspend all take-offs and landings during this period. As per tradition, the royal representative of the erstwhile Travancore royal family, regarded as the temple’s custodian, will lead the procession carrying a ceremonial sword, accompanied by priests, officials, and devotees.

The procession will proceed from the temple to Shangumugham beach, where the ritual bathing ceremony of the deities will take place. The event draws large crowds and is conducted with strict adherence to long-standing customs.

This rare practice of suspending operations at an international airport for a religious procession is unique to Thiruvananthapuram and takes place twice a year during major temple festivals. It highlights the seamless coexistence of heritage traditions and modern infrastructure in Kerala’s capital city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman