For a very limited time, during the period of the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala temple, in India, pilgrims who take the plane to go there will be authorized to bring a coconut, normally prohibited in luggage.
The news made headlines on the NewsBytes platform, which announced that it was the Civil Aviation Safety Bureau which granted this special authorization, which will be in effect from mid-November to January 20, 2025.
Why prohibited? Why coconuts?
Banned on flights because they are said to be flammable, coconuts are the topic of the day because they have religious importance for Sabarimala pilgrims.
Moreover, coconuts are said to be an integral part of the “Irumudi Kettu”, a sacred bag of offerings carried by devotees during their pilgrimage. And “only those wearing the ‘Irumudi Kettu’ are allowed to climb the 18 sacred steps leading to the temple sanctum,” explains NewsBytes.
It is also noted that the coconut exemption, granted by the Civil Aviation Safety Bureau, aims to preserve this tradition while ensuring the safety and convenience of travelers.
Safety protocols to follow
Before being allowed to board, the traveling coconuts will still have to comply with some strict security measures. They will have to pass through X-ray checkpoints, tests to detect traces of explosives and even physical inspection stations.
Nothing is easy for anyone, even coconuts!
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