Thiruvananthapuram, April 3 -- The Painkuni Arattu at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport remains one of the world's most unique intersections of ancient tradition and modern infrastructure.

This centuries-old ritual, which predates the airport itself, highlights a rare moment where global aviation protocols are paused to honour local heritage, a rare moment where modern aviation gave way to living tradition.

The occasion was the annual Painkuni Arattu procession of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a festival rooted in Kerala's royal and spiritual heritage and historically associated with the temple traditions of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.

Named after the Malayalam calendar month "Painkuni" and referring to the ritual sea bath ...