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Murmu Offers Prayers at Sabarimala After Helipad Mishap Alters Landing

A last-minute switch from Nilakkal to Pramadam due to bad weather left a new helipad soft, with the rest of the Kerala programmes still on schedule.

Overview

  • An IAF chopper carrying the President landed at Pramadam where its wheels sank into freshly laid concrete; police and fire personnel pushed the aircraft clear and no injuries were reported.
  • The landing site was changed from Nilakkal because of inclement weather, and the President proceeded by road to Pamba before continuing uphill in a special Gurkha vehicle.
  • At Sannidhanam she carried the irumudikettu, climbed the 18 holy steps, and performed darshan and aarti at the Lord Ayyappa shrine.
  • Security agencies enforced tight protocols and limited pilgrim access near Sannidhanam, with the Travancore Devaswom Board managing ritual arrangements.
  • Coverage notes she is the first woman head of state to pray at Sabarimala and only the second President to visit; events scheduled next include unveiling a K. R. Narayanan bust, the Sivagiri observance, and college milestones in Pala and Ernakulam.