New Delhi: Ahead of the onset of the two-month pilgrimage season starting mid-November, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has relaxed its security norms for pilgrims heading to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The pilgrims will now be allowed to carry coconuts—which is a highly combustible item—in their cabin baggage on flights until January 20, 2025.
The decision was announced by the Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu through a video message on X. Coconuts play a central role in the offerings carried by pilgrims to honour Lord Ayyappa.
In a move to facilitate the ease of travel for Sabarimala pilgrims, we have issued a special exemption allowing the carrying of coconuts in 'Irumudi' as cabin baggage during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage period. This order will be in effect until January 20, 2025, with… pic.twitter.com/OZcmSMhXa4
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) October 26, 2024
However, the pilgrims will undergo comprehensive security checks, including X-ray screening, Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) testing, and physical inspection before bringing coconuts on board.
In his video message, the minister stated that while coconuts in the ‘Irumudi Kettu’ bag were permissible in cabin baggage, all other security protocols would be applicable. “In a move to facilitate the ease of travel for Sabarimala pilgrims, we have issued a special exemption allowing the carrying of coconuts in ‘Irumudi’ as cabin baggage during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage period. This order will be in effect until January 20, 2025, with all necessary security checks in place. We have taken this step towards preserving traditions while ensuring safety and convenience for devotees,” Naidu wrote on X.
The Sabarimala Temple pilgrimage is a key event in the lives of millions of devotees who trek to the hill shrine. They carry the traditional ‘Irumudi Kettu’, which is a sacred bundle of offerings, including a coconut filled with ghee for the deity.
According to rituals, only those carrying the ‘Irumudi Kettu’ atop their heads are allowed to ascend the 18 sacred steps leading to the temple’s inner sanctum. Visitors who don’t carry coconuts are asked to take an alternative path.