BCAS allows Sabarimala pilgrims to carry coconuts in cabin baggage in flights

Coconuts meant for offering as part of Sabarimala pilgrimage have been allowed to be carried in cabin baggage for a limited period of time

Pilgrims going to Sabarimala temple in Kerala can carry coconuts in cabin baggage in flights, with aviation security regulator Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) relaxing the norms for a limited period.

A senior official of the BCAS said the permission has been given for the ongoing Sabarimala season that is to end in late January.

Lakhs of devotees visit the hill shrine every year and majority of them carry ‘Irumudi Kettu’ (the sacred bag containing offerings, including coconut filled with ghee, to the Lord).

Coconuts meant for offering as part of Sabarimala pilgrimage have been allowed to be carried in cabin baggage for a limited period of time, the official told PTI on November 22.

The official also said that additional security measures and checks have been put in place in this regard.

Under current norms, coconuts are not permitted in cabin baggage on the grounds that they are flammable.

“... Coconuts, in the view of inconvenience to the pilgrims to Shri Sabarimala shall be allowed in cabin [carry on] baggage after the X-ray, ETD [Explosive Trace Detector] and physical check by ASG till the duration of Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage i.e. up to 20 Jan 2023,” BCAS said in a circular on November 21.