Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Ayyappa Devotees Allowed to Carry Irumudi on Flight
The Union Civil Aviation Minister has announced that Ayyappa devotees can carry their Irumudi kits on flights without the usual check-in procedures from 28th November 2025 to 20th January 2026.
This decision is welcomed by many devotees, especially those from Telugu states.
Meanwhile, the Forest Department in Kerala has set up special safety measures to prevent wildlife attacks along the Sabarimala pilgrimage routes.
These measures include deploying elephant squads, snake catchers, and eco-guards, as well as installing solar fencing and setting up medical facilities.
Waste management efforts are also in place to protect wildlife habitats.
The minister encouraged devotees to cooperate with security personnel during their travels.
Ayyappa devotees can carry Irumudi kits on flights without usual check-in procedures from 28th November 2025 to 20th January 2026.
The decision is welcomed by devotees, especially those from Telugu states.
The Forest Department has deployed special squads to prevent wildlife attacks along Sabarimala pilgrimage routes.
65 snakes and 65 wild boars have been captured and released into the inner forest.
Solar fencing, medical facilities, and waste management efforts are in place to ensure the safety of devotees and wildlife.
- Who
- Ayyappa devotees and the Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu
- What
- Permission to carry Irumudi kits without usual check-in procedures and safety measures for Sabarimala pilgrimage
- When
- From 28th November 2025 to 20th January 2026
- Where
- Sabarimala and surrounding forest areas in Kerala
- Why
- To facilitate the pilgrimage and ensure the safety of devotees and wildlife
Devotees
Security Personnel
Carrying Irumudi Kits
Devotees
Devotees are pleased with the exemption from usual check-in procedures for carrying Irumudi kits.
Security Personnel
Security personnel are tasked with ensuring safety while accommodating the new rules.
- Announcement Date
- 28th November 2025
- Duration of Exemption
- Until 20th January 2026
- Wildlife Captured
- 65 snakes and 65 wild boars
- Safety Measures
- Elephant squads, Rapid Response Teams, snake catchers, and eco-guards
- Medical Support
- Four emergency medical centres and one hospital facility
- Waste Management
- Waste bins and eco-friendly bags distributed
- Facilities for Devotees
- Free drinking water, toilets, and resting facilities
