Thiruvananthapuram Airport Shuts for Temple Procession
In a remarkable display of cultural heritage, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport temporarily halted operations to accommodate a traditional Hindu temple procession. This unique event, part of the annual Painkuni festival, involved devotees pulling ornate wooden chariots bearing temple idols across the airport runway. The procession, which took place last Friday, underscores the deep-rooted traditions that coexist with modern infrastructure in Kerala’s capital.
Historic Tradition at the Airport
For several hours, the skies above Thiruvananthapuram were silent as the airport ceased operations, not due to inclement weather or technical issues, but to honor a revered tradition. Devotees pulled intricately designed wooden chariots along a two-kilometer stretch of the runway, a practice that has been observed since the airport’s establishment in 1932. This event is part of the Painkuni festival celebrated at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, known for its immense wealth and historical significance.
The procession marks the culmination of the ten-day festival, beginning at the temple and concluding at Shanghumugham beach, approximately six kilometers away. Upon reaching the beach, priests perform a ritual bath for the idols in the sea before retracing their steps back to the temple. The event is led by the head of the former royal family of Travancore, a lineage that has maintained this tradition even as the airport transitioned from royal to government and then private management.
Logistics and Security Measures
Airport authorities coordinated closely with airlines to manage the temporary closure, informing them two months in advance. On the day of the procession, ten flights were rescheduled to accommodate the event. Rahul Bhatkoti, the chief airport officer, expressed pride in facilitating this historic occasion, stating, “This is likely the only airport in the world which facilitates such a historic event.” The procession began around 4:45 PM local time and lasted approximately four hours, during which both domestic and international terminals were closed.
Attendance at the procession is limited and strictly controlled. Only senior members of the royal family, priests, officials, and selected devotees with special passes are permitted to participate. The Central Industrial Security Force oversees safety and security, ensuring the runway is barricaded and monitored throughout the event. Mahesh Gupthan, the airport’s corporate communications manager, noted that the runway undergoes a thorough inspection post-procession to maintain safety standards.
A Unique Intersection of Culture and Modernity
The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is one of the few airports globally that pauses operations for a religious event, a practice that highlights the unique intersection of culture and modernity. Other airports, such as Indonesia’s Ngurah Rai and Israel’s Ben Gurion, also close for religious observances, but it is rare for an airport to facilitate a cultural event in such a manner. The Painkuni festival procession occurs twice a year, with a similar event during the Alpashi festival in October or November.
Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor remarked on social media that the procession exemplifies how heritage and modernity coexist in the region. As the procession continues to draw attention, it serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Kerala, blending ancient traditions with contemporary life.
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