In a significant decision aimed at easing the journey of Ayyappa devotees travelling to Sabarimala, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Friday (November 28) announced that pilgrims will now be allowed to carry the sacred erumudi on board flights.
The Minister said the decision was taken after recognising the deep spiritual value and traditional importance of the erumudi, which devotees carry during the annual pilgrimage. He confirmed that all aviation security protocols have been duly examined to facilitate this move without compromising safety.
స్వామియే శరణం అయ్యప్ప!
శబరిమల పవిత్ర యాత్రలో పాల్గొనే అయ్యప్ప భక్తుల సౌలభ్యం కోసం, ఇరుముడికి ఉన్న పవిత్రత, భావోద్వేగాల్ని గౌరవిస్తూ, భక్తులు ఇరుముడి ని తమతో పాటు నేరుగా విమాన ప్రయాణంలో తీసుకెళ్లేందుకు మా పౌర విమానయాన మంత్రిత్వ శాఖ అనుమతి ఇచ్చింది అని తెలియజేయడానికి… pic.twitter.com/QT6JGV45Ng
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) November 28, 2025
“This decision ensures that Ayyappa devotees can carry the sacred erumudi with them on flights, keeping their traditional practices uninterrupted,” he said, adding that the Ministry has worked to balance security requirements with cultural sensitivity.
He emphasised that the announcement reflects the NDA kutami government’s commitment to protecting India’s cultural ethos and respecting the spiritual sentiments of communities across the country. “We remain dedicated to safeguarding cultural values, religious traditions, and the devotional spirit cherished across our nation,” he noted.
According to the Ministry, guidelines will be issued to airlines and airport authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the new provision, enabling pilgrims to travel with ease, respect and dignity during the Sabarimala season.
The 2025–26 Sabarimala pilgrimage season, which began on 16 November 2025, has already witnessed a massive surge in devotees. As per reports, total footfall had climbed to 4.94 lakh, and by 24 November, the number had crossed 6.5 lakh, marking an intense early-season rush.
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