President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to visit Kerala for a four-day trip, commencing on Tuesday. During her visit, she will offer prayers at the renowned Sabarimala Temple and unveil a statue of former President KR Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.
The President’s journey will begin with her arrival at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport on Tuesday evening via a special Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. She will be warmly welcomed by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan before proceeding to the Raj Bhavan for her overnight stay.
On Wednesday morning, President Murmu is expected to travel by IAF helicopter from Thiruvananthapuram to Nilackal, the base camp for the Sabarimala pilgrimage. Upon arrival around 11 am, she will proceed to the Pampa Ganapathy Temple to collect the traditional ‘irumudikettu,’ a sacred offering for Lord Ayyappa, before commencing her pilgrimage.
A security convoy, including five vehicles and an ambulance, will accompany the President along the Swamy Ayyappan road leading to the temple. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has confirmed that all necessary arrangements are in place, adhering to National Security Guard (NSG) protocols for the President’s visit.
TDB President PS Prasanth informed the media that both temple traditions and NSG protocols will be meticulously followed. He also noted that the heightened security measures might lead to some restrictions for other pilgrims.
This visit marks President Murmu’s first pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Notably, former Presidents like VV Giri have also offered prayers at this significant Ayyappa temple in the past.
Further into her itinerary, on Thursday, the President is scheduled to unveil the bust of former President KR Narayanan at the Raj Bhavan. She will also inaugurate the ‘mahasamadhi’ centenary celebrations of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru at the Sivagiri Madhom in Varkala.
Additionally, President Murmu will grace the valedictory function of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of St Thomas College in Pala, one of Kerala’s oldest educational institutions.
Concluding her engagements, on Friday, she will inaugurate the centenary celebrations of St Teresa’s College in Ernakulam before departing for Delhi later that day via an IAF flight.