The International Airport of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is considered quite busy. But there is one thing, which listen to good thinking. We are talking about the tradition of 5000 years old here, where flight movement stops. Yes, on 9 November 2024 last year, the airport was closed for 5 hours from 4 pm to 9 pm. This is not the first time that flights here have been closed for 5 hours. This happens twice a year when the airport is closed.

The reason for this will also be surprised to know, suspending flights at the airport is not caused by any technical glitch but is due to religious reason. This religious reason is the procession of the temple. This procession is taken out from the runway of the airport and due to this, 5-6 hours of flights are suspended. This tradition is centuries old. It is also said that this procession of the temple has been coming out like this for 5000 years. Two years ago, when Corona was at its peak, the procession was taken out with pomp in March 2020. Rather, thousands of people had gathered here during that time. Let us tell you about this day. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia and all India radio news@x)

Lord Vishnu is taken from the runway to the airport

This airport of Kerala Suspends its services twice a year. The first for the Pankuni festival in March-April and the second time for the Arattu procession in October-November. At the time of October-November, Lord is taken to a palanquin from Shri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which is on the Shanghamugham beach just behind the airport. Here Lord Vishnu has a ritual bath in the sea. (Photo credit: ani@x)

Flights are canceled

Before closing the airport for the bi-annual festival, a notice is issued to the airport Airman. During this time there is no flight for 5 hours. Every domestic and international services for centuries -old rituals are currently suspended. Airport Authority says that during five hours, the time of four international flights as well as some more flights is changed. (Photo Credit: aviationnexus@x)

Consent was made of controversy

This ritual procession of Lord Vishnu has been coming out in centuries. They are brought and transported by this route. In 1932, when the airport was constructed on this route, there was a dispute that how Lord Vishnu’s palanquin procession would be taken out, it is said that then it was agreed that there will be no hindrance in the procession of Lord Vishnu. It will be given the way in the same way as it is already. Hence the procession was allowed to be removed from the runway.

Lord Vishnu rests on the runway

Near the runway, there is an Artu Mandapam where Lord Vishnu is kept for some time to relax. After resting here, God is taken to the beach again. Here they are also taken a holy dip. The ritual takes place and is then taken back from the palanquin. (Photo Credit: All India radio news@x)

This is the procession of Lord Vishnu

Lord Vishnu is accompanied by members of the Travancore royal family and employees of Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. A herd of 5 elephants runs in this procession. Elephants are applied to chhatris made of ration. People walk with the address in their hands. The police band also runs. This procession is taken out with great pomp with drums, drums, tashe.

Recognition of Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is present in Thiruwantapuram, the capital of Kerala state, India. This is a famous Hindu temple, this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is a great recognition. It is said that the temple was also seen by Lord Krishna’s brother Balarama. It is believed that the temple was built 5000 years ago. However, there is no accurate evidence about the temple. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

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Such an airport of the country which is done twice a year 5 hours a year, then thousands of people do worship with a plate in hand