Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India: President Droupadi Murmu departed for Sabarimala, carrying the Irumudi along with the bride of Lord Ayyappa.

Grand Reception for the President

Upon arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium grounds, President Murmu received a warm and grand welcome. Devaswom Minister VN Vasavan greeted her as she arrived via a special helicopter. The President is scheduled to visit Sabarimala shortly, with her darshan planned between 11:55 AM and 12:25 PM.

Helicopter Faces Technical Issue

During the visit, the President’s helicopter in Kerala encountered a technical problem. After landing at Pramadam Stadium, the army helicopter got stuck, its wheel lodged in freshly laid concrete. Police and fire officials are working to free it.

October 22, 2025

Itinerary Details

President Droupadi Murmu began her journey to Sabarimala from Raj Bhavan. She arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday as part of a four-day Kerala tour and was received with a ceremonial welcome at the airport by Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior officials, and other dignitaries. Security measures have been tightened across Thiruvananthapuram, and traffic restrictions were enforced on her route to Raj Bhavan.

On Wednesday, the President is expected to travel to Nilakkal by helicopter and continue to Pampa by road. By 12 PM, she will reach Sannidhanam in a Gorkha vehicle (special four-wheeled transport). After completing her visit to Sabarimala, she will return to Thiruvananthapuram in the evening. The Governor will host a banquet in her honor.

Additional Schedule Highlights

On the following day at 10:30 AM, the President will unveil the statue of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan. Around 12:50 PM, she will reach Sivagiri by helicopter to inaugurate the centenary celebrations of Shri Narayana Guru Mahasamadhi. Later at 4:15 PM, she will participate in the closing ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at St. Thomas’ College, Pahal. On the 24th, she will depart from Kochi International Airport to Delhi to attend centenary celebrations at St. Teresa’s College, Kochi.