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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 22 (IANS) President Draupadi Murmu’s travel plans changed following inclement weather and she landed at a stadium at Pramadome in Konni on Wednesday after taking a helicopter from the state capital.
The earlier planned destination was that the helicopter would land at Nilakkal, but due to bad weather, it landed at Pramadome.
Also, unlike earlier plans, Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar was not on the helicopter; Instead, it was State Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan who accompanied President Murmu.
He was welcomed by local MP Anto Antony, MLAs and high ranking officials at the Pradomome.
From Pramadome, his convoy began its journey towards Pamba – the foothills of the Sabarimala temple.
After wearing the traditional ‘Irumudikettu (sacred offering bundle)’ at Pamba, the President will proceed to Sannidhanam (temple) in a special vehicle. Police escort will accompany him in Gorkha vehicle.
The temple rule is that all pilgrims have to travel on foot from Pamba to the hilltop temple, but President Murmu will reach the top of the temple in a special vehicle.
At the temple, President Murmu will climb the sacred 18 steps carrying ‘Irumudikettu’ and offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa.
At Kodimaram Chuvadu (Flag Chowki area) he will be received by the chief priest Tantri Kantar Mahesh Mohanar who will welcome him with the Poornakumbham ritual.
After the scheduled darshan around noon, the President will rest at the guest house at Sannidhanam before returning to Thiruvananthapuram by evening.
Later, she will attend a dinner hosted in her honor by Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at a luxurious hotel in the state capital.
The entry of pilgrims to Sabarimala has been restricted in view of the high-profile yatra. Devotees will not be allowed to go beyond Nilakkal until the President completes her visit. As a token of respect, the Travancore Devaswom Board will present an idol of Lord Ayyappa carved in Kumbil wood to the President.
President Murmu is scheduled to return to New Delhi on October 24.
–IANS
SG/DPB