In Kerala, the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will suspend the flight operations temporarily for five hours today from 4 PM to 9 PM to accommodate the Alpassi Arattu procession linked to Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

It is a part of the historic annual tradition going on for decades now. Akashvani correspondent reports, that the Alpassi Arattu procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a major tradition that involves a ceremonial journey from the temple that passes through the airport path to reach Shanghumugham Beach for the holy bath of the idols. Thousands of people participate in the Arattu procession that began centuries ago.

The airport authorities had issued guidelines well in advance for the hassle free travel of the passengers and the airlines had rescheduled the flights accordingly..The runway at the airport remains closed twice a year for the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple procession. This ritual continues even after the airport was established in 1932, ensuring that the culture and traditions of the region remain intact.