Pilgrims visiting Sabarimala Temple allowed to carry coconuts in cabin baggage

Pilgrims heading to the revered Sabarimala Temple in Kerala will now be allowed to carry coconuts in their cabin baggage in flights, a concession granted by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) until January 20, 2025.

The decision was announced by Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on X, just weeks before the two-month pilgrimage season commences in mid-November.

The seasonal exception is aimed at easing travel for devotees undertaking the annual pilgrimage to honour Lord Ayyappa. Traditionally, coconuts are prohibited in cabin baggage due to safety concerns, as they are considered flammable.

However, given the cultural and religious significance of coconuts, which play a central role in the offerings carried by pilgrims, a waiver has been introduced, allowing coconuts in cabin baggage for this period.

To comply with aviation safety standards, pilgrims will undergo comprehensive security checks, including X-ray screening, Explosive Trace Detector (ETD) testing, and physical inspection before bringing coconuts on board.

Naidu said that while coconuts in the 'Irumudi Kettu' bag are now permissible in cabin baggage, all other security protocols remain strictly enforced.

"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 tweeted.

The Sabarimala Temple pilgrimage is an integral part of the lives of millions of devotees who trek to the hill shrine each year, often carrying the traditional 'Irumudi Kettu' — a sacred bundle containing offerings, including a coconut filled with ghee for the deity

As per custom, pilgrims prepare the 'Irumudi Kettu' as part of the 'Kettunirakal' ritual, filling one coconut with ghee and packing additional coconuts to be broken at holy sites along the route.

Only those carrying the 'Irumudi Kettu' atop their heads are allowed to ascend the 18 sacred steps leading to the temple’s inner sanctum, while other visitors must take an alternative path.

Earlier this month, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government made it mandatory for pilgrims to visit the Sabarimala shrine only after making an online booking. These bookings will allow a maximum of 80,000 devotees per day.

"There will be no spot booking at Sabarimala this time. We will check and see if pilgrims come without booking. Additional parking arrangements have been made at Nilakkal and Erumeli," Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan had said.