In anticipation of the upcoming ‘Alpassi Arattu’ procession, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will temporarily suspend flight operations on Saturday (November 9). The suspension is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM to allow for the procession’s passage.
According to a statement from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the runway will be closed to flight traffic during the hours of the procession, as it does twice a year to accommodate this age-old tradition.
“The runway at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport remains closed twice a year for the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple procession to pass through,” Thiruvananthapuram International Airport informed in a post on X.
What is Alpassi Arattu procession?
The Alpassi Arattu procession, an important religious and cultural event, will be held in connection with the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The procession, which involves a ceremonial journey of the temple’s deities to Shangumugham Beach for a ritualistic holy bath, will pass directly through the airport premises.
“The practice of the procession taking the airport route to reach Shangumugham Beach for the holy bath of the idols has been followed for centuries,” the airport’s post noted. “Even after the airport’s establishment in 1932, this ritual continues, ensuring that the region’s cultural and religious practices remain intact.”
Thiruvananthapuram Airport issues advisory for passengers
The airport has issued an advisory for passengers, urging them to check with their airlines for any changes to flight schedules during the disruption. Passengers are advised to be aware of potential delays or cancellations between the specified hours.