Helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu gets stuck on helipad during Sabarimala visit

The helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu, who was on his way to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, got stranded on the helipad while landing at Pramadam near Pathanamthitta in Kerala on Wednesday morning, October 22, 2025.

The helicopter landed safely on the newly prepared helipad around 9:05 a.m., but shortly after the President stepped off the plane, its tires sank slightly into the freshly poured concrete. However, the President continued his journey to Pampa by road without any delay.

adverse weather

According to official sources, the work on the helipad at Pramadam Indoor Stadium was completed just a few hours before the arrival of the presidential plane. Initially, the President was planned to land at Nilackal, but the plan was changed at the last minute due to the harsh weather conditions prevailing in the region. The stranded helicopter was then pushed off the soft surface by police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel.

In Pampa, the President prepares to perform the traditional cleansing ritual by washing his feet rather than diving into the river. It will then prepare: irumudi in a ceremony at the Ganapathy temple before heading to Sannidhanam in his Gurkha emergency four-wheel drive vehicle.

The President is expected to reach Sannidhanam by 11.50 am accompanied by a six-vehicle escort and welcome him there. poornakumbh Tantri Kandaru by Mahesh Mohanaru.

Following this, the President will ascend the 18 sacred steps (pathinettampadi) and pray to Lord Ayyappa. After the rituals, the Devaswom will rest at the guesthouse and return to Pramadam in the afternoon.

Pilgrims will not be allowed to go beyond Nilackal until the President completes his visit and leaves.