NEW DELHI: Government has allowed special exemption for carrying coconuts in cabin baggage for Sabarimala pilgrims for about three months. Union aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on X (former Twitter) Saturday: “In a move to facilitate the ease of travel for Sabarimala pilgrims, we have issued a special exemption allowing the carrying of coconuts in ‘Irumudi’ as cabin baggage during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage period.
This order will be in effect until Jan 20, 2025, with all necessary security checks in place. We have taken this step towards preserving traditions while ensuring safety and convenience for devotees.”
Before this exemption, coconut was on the list of items not allowed in cabin baggage. In check-in baggage also, only small pieces is allowed and not dry coconut/copra not allowed. Now till Jan 20, 2025, Sabarimala pilgrims may carry the same in Irumudi.
Kirpan is the other thing allowed on religious grounds. On domestic flights, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security allows upto 9-inch kirpan (with maximum blade size of 6 inches).