In observance of the traditional 'Alpassi Arattu' procession, operations at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala will be suspended for five hours on Saturday. For five hours, flights will be halted to allow for the procession originating from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to pass through the airport en route to Shangumugham Beach, where the idols will undergo a ceremonial holy bath.
From 4:00 PM, the airport will be closed till 9:00 PM on Saturday.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport said, "The runway at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport remains closed twice a year for the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple procession to pass through."
"The practice of the procession taking the airport path to reach the Shangumugham Beach for the holy bath of the idols began centuries ago. This ritual continues even after the Airport was established in 1932, ensuring that the culture and traditions of the region remains intact," told Airport.
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The Alpasi Festival, typically held in October or November each year, is renowned for its grand Aarattu ceremony, a sacred sea bath for the deities. A large procession, led by the head of the Travancore Royal Family holding a ceremonial sword, moves from the temple to Shanghumugham Beach. This historic event features caparisoned elephants, mounted police, and rows of armed guards as thousands of devotees gather to witness the spectacle.
Located within the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital, is the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple, a blend of Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles, is believed to be the world’s wealthiest temple. Dating back to the 8th century, it is one of the 108 Divya Desams—sacred Vishnu temples celebrated by the Tamil Azhvar saints. The temple’s deity, Lord Vishnu, is depicted reclining on Anantha, the hooded serpent.