The Sabarimala temple in Kerala's Pathanamthitta is set to open on November 16 for its two-month pilgrimage of the annual Mandala—Makaravilakku season. On Friday, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) said that, just like in previous years, pilgrims could carry coconuts for rituals at the temple in their cabin baggage on flights during the Sabarimala season. They will be allowed to carry coconuts until January 20, 2025.
Devotees often carry a simple cloth bag of offerings, called 'irumudi kettu,' when they visit Sabarimala. One of the items in the bag is coconuts filled with ghee, which are to be offered to the Lord as part of the 'Kettunirakkal' ritual. The bag generally has ordinary coconuts, too, to be broken at various holy spots during the pilgrimage. Coconuts will only be carried in the cabin after the requisite X-ray, ETD (Explosive Trace Detector), and physical checks.
Why are coconuts generally not allowed
As coconuts are combustible, they are generally not allowed in cabin baggage in any form. Dry coconut or copra, a highly inflammable object, is not allowed even in check-in baggage. It is considered a Class 4 risk in cargo. Copra, used to produce coconut oil, can cause a fire if heated inside an aircraft. It can cause a fire in a single spark. It can also emit flammable gases when in contact with water. Various airlines have different regulations on allowing coconuts on their flights. For example, on its website, SpiceJet Airlines says coconut is permitted for carriage in checked-in baggage if cut into small pieces. In international travel, retail-packed coconut products are permitted.
Broken coconut pieces, such as temple prasada or other forms, should be carried in check-in luggage. If they are found in cabbing baggage, the airport authorites ask to drop them in a glass box for restricted items, placed at the security gate.