An unexpected event unfolded during President Droupadi Murmu’s spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Sabarimala Ayyappa temple in Kerala. Her helicopter, upon landing at a newly prepared helipad in Pramadam on Wednesday morning, encountered a minor setback when its tires became slightly embedded in the freshly laid concrete surface.
The incident occurred around 9:05 a.m., shortly after the chopper had safely touched down and the President had disembarked. Demonstrating remarkable composure and adherence to her schedule, President Murmu seamlessly continued her journey to Pampa by road, without any significant delay.
Last-Minute Change Due to Weather
According to official sources, the helipad at the Pramadam Indoor Stadium had been completed only a few hours prior to the presidential flight’s arrival. The initial plan had scheduled the President’s landing at Nilackal, but this was altered at the last minute in consideration of prevailing inclement weather conditions in the region. Following the President’s departure from the site, police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel successfully maneuvered the stranded helicopter out of the soft ground.
The President’s itinerary in Pampa included performing a traditional cleansing ritual by washing her feet, rather than taking a dip in the river. She then participated in the sacred irumudi preparation ceremony at the Ganapathy temple before proceeding to the Sannidhanam in a specialized Gurkha emergency four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Accompanied by a six-vehicle escort, President Murmu was anticipated to reach Sannidhanam by 11:50 a.m. There, she was cordially received with a poornakumbh by the tantri Kandaru Mahesh Mohanaru.
After ascending the revered 18 holy steps (pathinettampadi) and offering prayers to Lord Ayyappa, the President was scheduled to take a brief rest at the Devaswom guest house, with her return to Pramadam planned for later in the afternoon.
To ensure security and manage the flow of devotees during the presidential visit, pilgrims were temporarily restricted from progressing beyond Nilackal until President Murmu had completed her visit and departed the area.