Thiruvananthapuram: President Draupadi Murmu is going to create history today by becoming the first President of India to offer prayers at the holy Sabarimala Sri Dharma Sanstha temple. As part of his four-day visit to Kerala, this historic visit is being seen as a tribute to ancient traditions and a strong message of women empowerment and social equality.
The President’s pilgrimage to the sacred hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa has been carefully planned keeping in mind the safety protocols and temple traditions. He is scheduled to depart by helicopter from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at 9:35 am and land at the base camp at Nilakkal.
From Nilakkal the President will go to Pamba by road. As per tradition, she will fill the sacred ‘Irumudi Kettu’ (pot of offerings) at the Pampa Ganapathy temple. Departing from the usual walking route, President Murmu will be taken to the Sannidhanam (sanctum sanctorum) in a special Gorkha jeep via Swami Ayyappan Marg, avoiding the convoy of traditional vehicles. He is expected to be seen around 11:50 am.
After darshan and a short rest, lunch at Devaswom Guest House, the President will begin her return journey. Meanwhile, it will leave for Pamba at around 3:00 pm. After this she will return to Nilakkal by road and then return to Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter at 4:20 pm.
Security arrangements have been tightened in Sabarimala and its surrounding areas for the President’s visit. The Special Protection Group (SPG) is working closely with Kerala Police and other agencies. Special attention is being paid to crowd management for security.
The temple authorities have confirmed that there will be no complete ban on the entry of devotees during the President’s visit. Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) officials along with the temple tantri (chief priest) will be present to receive the President as per temple customs.
Highlights of Four Day Kerala Itinerary
President Murmu’s visit to Kerala is full of programs of cultural and political importance. On her return from Sabarimala, she will attend a special dinner hosted by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
On October 23, the President will meet former President K.R. at Raj Bhavan at 10:30 am. Narayanan – the first President of Kerala. Prominent leaders from political and social fields will participate in this program. After this, she will go to Varkala to participate in the Sree Narayana Guru Mahasamadhi centenary celebrations in Sivagiri as the chief guest at 12:50 pm.
The day will conclude with the inauguration of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of St. Thomas College, Pala at 4:15 pm, followed by an overnight stay at a resort in Kumarakom. This tour will end on 24 October. President Murmu will be the chief guest at the centenary celebrations of St. Teresa’s College, Kochi.
After lunch at Bolgatty Palace, she will depart from Kochi Naval Base for Nedumbassery International Airport and return to New Delhi at 4:05 pm. In this way his four-day official visit will conclude.