On April 2, the Painkuni Arattu procession marked the end of the 10-day Painkuni Festival at Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The festival began on March 24 with fervent devotion.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport suspended flights for five hours on Thursday afternoon. This allowed the procession to pass safely through the runway area. Operations resume twice yearly for this revered ritual.
Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a crown jewel of Sanatana Dharma, enshrines Lord Vishnu as Padmanabha. The Painkuni Festival revives Travancore royal traditions spanning centuries. The airport land was donated by the royal family with a firm condition: halt all activity during the deity’s procession. This ensures the sacred route remains undisturbed.
It upholds Hindu temple rituals above all, showcasing respect for spiritual heritage in Kerala. Devotees witness the murti’s journey, reinforcing communal bonds.
Such customs affirm Sanatana Dharma’s timeless authority, where even skies yield to divine will.
