Thousands of devotees participated in the centuries-old procession, which carried the temple deities for a ritual sea bath, highlighting Kerala's unique blend of tradition and modernity.

The Painkuni Arattu, named after the Malayalam month 'Painkuni' and referring to the ceremonial 'Arattu' or sea bath, is the culmination of a ten-day festival. The event symbolises the purification of the temple's deities—Lord Padmanabhaswamy, Narasimha Moorthy, and Krishna Swamy—through immersion in the Arabian Sea. The procession commenced from the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and proceeded six kilometres to Shanghumugham Beach.

The parade passed directly across the airport runway, a practice rooted in the origins of the airport under the Travancore royal family. Established in 1932, the airport's alignment coincidentally intersects the traditional path of the festival procession. The temporary pause in flight operations allowed the deities and their entourage—including caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion artists, and members of the royal lineage—to pass safely across the tarmac.

The procession's return journey took place after dusk, in a torch-lit ceremonial march back to the temple, signalling the conclusion of the festival. Airport authorities ensured the runway was inspected, cleaned, and cleared before resuming normal operations. The coordination showcased a seamless integration of modern aviation standards with time-honoured cultural practices.

Since 2021, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has been operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India's largest private airport operator. The company collaborated closely with temple authorities and local administration to ensure the procession was conducted safely, without disrupting airport security and flight schedules.

Officials noted that such arrangements have been a longstanding practice in Thiruvananthapuram, reflecting a unique ethos where infrastructure temporarily yields to religious tradition. The festival's continuation at the airport underscores Kerala's commitment to preserving cultural heritage even amidst urban and technological development.

The Painkuni Arattu festival's passage through an active airport runway demonstrates that modern systems and centuries-old customs can coexist. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, highlighted the company's support for sustaining India's living traditions during the same day while offering prayers at Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. At Thiruvananthapuram, the festival reminded residents and visitors alike that progress does not necessitate the displacement of tradition.

The festival, the airport, and the collaborative effort between authorities and devotees offer a rare, picturesque scene that blends faith, culture, and modern life. Observers noted that the event serves as a lesson in coexistence, where religious observance and civic infrastructure function in harmony, preserving the heritage of Kerala for generations to come.