Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala have received a significant relief. As per this information, travelers visiting this renowned Kerala temple can bring coconuts in their carry-on luggage on the plane. Nevertheless, this authorization is valid only until January 20, 2025. This information was provided by Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Saturday. The season for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, lasting two months, is set to start in mid-November. For a temporary duration, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has permitted pilgrims to bring coconuts in their carry-on luggage.
Naidu stated on Saturday that coconuts are now permitted to be brought in carry-on luggage during the Mandalam – Makaravilakku pilgrimage in order to assist Sabarimala pilgrims on their journey. He announced on X that the order will remain effective until January 20, 2025, and all required safety inspections will be conducted.
According to current regulations, coconuts are not permitted in carry-on luggage due to being flammable. Nonetheless, this exception has been granted considering the cultural and religious importance of coconuts. Devotees of Sabarimala consider coconuts to be crucial in their offerings.
Nevertheless, security will not be compromised and the travelers must undergo various checks including X-ray screening, explosive trace detectors, and physical inspection before carrying the coconuts on the plane. Naidu stated on Twitter that a special exemption has been granted to permit Sabarimala pilgrims to bring coconuts in ‘Irumudi Kettu’ as cabin baggage for the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage period to ease their travel.
The annual pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple is essential to countless devotees who make the journey to the hill shrine each year. They carry the conventional ‘Irumudi Kettu’, a holy package with gifts, such as a coconut filled with ghee for the god. According to tradition, pilgrims make ‘Irumudi Kettu’ for the ‘Kettunirakal’ ceremony, fill one coconut with ghee, and carry additional coconuts to break at sacred locations along the way.
Only individuals who have ‘Irumudi Kettu’ are permitted to ascend the 18 holy steps that lead to the innermost shrine of the temple. Others must find a different way. In the beginning of this month, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s administration in Kerala enforced a requirement for pilgrims to book online. A capacity of 44,000 devotees can visit daily.
The Minister of Devaswom, VN Vasavan, announced that spot booking will not be available in Sabarimala this time. Extra parking facilities have been set up at Nilakkal and Erumeli.