Kerala airport set to halt flights for 5 hrs for "God's passage"
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The Thiruvananthapuram international airport here is once again ready to close its runway and halt flight operations for five hours on Tuesday afternoon to enable the smooth passage of the "God".
The airport has been stopping operations and rescheduling flights twice in every year for decades to enable the bi-annual centuries-old ceremonial procession of the famous Padmanabha Swamy temple here to pass through the runway.
As one of the "Aaratu" processions of the temple, marking the culmination of the Alpassi festival, falls on Tuesday, the airport authorities here informed that the flight services shall remain suspended for five hours from 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
The practice of closing the airport for the ritualistic procession has been continuing without any fail even after the Adani Group took over its management last year.
"To enable and facilitate smooth continuation of a centuries-old ritual by Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple for the Alpassi Arattu procession, through the runway of the Thiruvananthapuram International airport, the flight services shall remain suspended from 1600 to 2100 hours on the 1st November, 2022," the airport management said here in a statement.
Domestic and international services during this period have been rescheduled.
An airport source said that at least 10 flights have been rescheduled for the ritualist procession as of now.
"There is an Aaratu mandapam near the runway where the temple idols are being kept for some time as part of the ritual during the procession. We are keeping it with all sanctity. We are facilitating the passage of the traditional procession. The flight companies are also extending all cooperation to retain the legacy," the source told PTI.
Historian Malayinkeezhu Gopalakrishnan said the mandapam, which is now located near the airport runway, is known as "karikku" (tender coconut) mandapam.
"The practice of keeping the idols for some time at this structure began during the reign of erstwhile king Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. It was said that there was a practice to offer tender coconut for those who take part in the procession at the mandapam. That might be the reason the structure was named like that," he told PTI.
The procession would further proceed after some brief pujas and rituals.
According to the traditional practice, the processional idols of the temple deities would be carried to the sea behind the airport for a holy dip twice a year in a ceremonial march, which has been taking this route even before the airport was established in 1932.
The airport issues a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) twice every year before the runway is closed during the bi-annual Alpashy festival which falls in October-November and the Panguni festival in March-April.
After a dip in the sea off Shankumugham beach, the idols would be taken back to the shrine in a procession lit by traditional torches which marks the conclusion of the festival.
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AIMPLB warns of protests, legal battle over Waqf Amendment Bill
Bengaluru: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday addressed a press conference following the conclusion of its national convention in Bengaluru. The Board raised concerns over several pressing national and international issues, including the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and recent controversies surrounding places of worship in the country. The Board also spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, terming it a "genocide."
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, strongly opposed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, warning the government of protests and legal challenges if the bill is passed without thorough consultation with all stakeholders.
"Waqf properties are donated specifically for the benefit of the Muslim community and for charitable purposes. These properties cannot and should not be altered or interfered with by the government," he said. Ilyas emphasized the historical and legal sanctity of Waqf properties, stating that any changes to the law without proper discussion would be unacceptable to the community.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was another critical issue discussed during the convention. Ilyas reiterated the Board's long-standing opposition to the UCC, stating that it threatens the pluralistic nature of Indian society.
"The UCC will disrupt the very fabric of this country. India thrives on its diversity, and a uniform code disregards this essential characteristic," he said. He explained that the Indian legal framework already accommodates individuals who choose not to follow their personal laws.
Ilyas also criticized the UCC implemented by the Uttarakhand government, calling it unconstitutional. "How can it be called a 'Uniform Civil Code' when it is applied only in one state?" he questioned. The AIMPLB plans to challenge the Uttarakhand UCC in the Nainital High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) soon.
The Board also addressed growing tensions surrounding places of worship, particularly the rising claims that some mosques were originally temples. Ilyas pointed out that such disputes are in violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1992, which mandates that the status of religious sites shall remain as they were in 1947.
"The Supreme Court, in its verdict on the Babri Masjid case, clearly stated that no further disputes of this nature should arise. Yet, we see new cases being brought up regularly," he said.
Citing a recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where police action against protesters left two dead, Ilyas condemned the violence. "This incident was tragic and could have been avoided. It is deeply condemnable," he added.
The AIMPLB also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ilyas termed the situation a "genocide," pointing to the reported deaths of over 45,000 people in the last year.
"This is not a war; it is a genocide. The international community must take urgent steps to address the issue," he said. The Board called for a two-state solution as a pathway to peace and justice in the region.
The press conference was attended by several senior AIMPLB officials, including the Board’s president, Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani. The officials emphasized the need for unity among stakeholders and the Muslim community to address the challenges highlighted during the convention.
The AIMPLB pledged to continue its advocacy through protests, legal actions, and public engagement to safeguard the rights of the community and uphold the constitutional values of the country.
