The number of wealthy businessmen in India has increased over the last couple of decades. Along with this, there has also been a rise in the number of people opting for expensive and exotic cars. While many choose luxury cars, a few prefer to stand out from the crowd with unique choices - whether in business or in their rides. Regardless of wealth, one tradition most Indians continue to follow is taking their new vehicle to a temple for blessings.
In one such instance, a businessman from Hyderabad took his brand-new Airbus helicopter to the Yadadri temple for a Vahan Puja. The video, shared by Mohd Lateef Babla on his X profile, captures this rare sight. While it’s common to see cars being taken to temples for rituals, this is probably the first time a helicopter has been brought in for a Vahan Puja.
In the video, the helicopter’s owner can be seen performing the rituals under the guidance of priests. He begins with prayers, breaks a coconut on a stone placed below, and then completes the rest of the ceremony as instructed. As seen in any Vahan Puja, we see priests performing the rituals while the owner watches it. They also break a coconut in front of the helicopter as part of the ritual
The helicopter belongs to Boinpally Srinivas Rao, a prominent Hyderabad-based businessman and owner of the Prathima Group. He recently purchased the Airbus ACH-135 helicopter, valued at around $5.7 million (approximately ₹50 crore). The helicopter was flown to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadadri for the rituals. The video also shows former Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao attending the ceremony.
The Airbus ACH-135 is a twin-engine light rotorcraft and one of the most popular helicopters worldwide, with about 1,350 units delivered to over 300 customers across 60 countries.
It measures 40.2 feet in length, 12.8 feet in height, and has a main rotor diameter of 34.1 feet. The ACH-135 can be customized in multiple configurations, supporting one or two pilots and seating up to six passengers. It is also widely used by emergency services.
Key features include Airbus’s Helionix avionics suite, a four-axis autopilot system, and a Fenestron tail rotor that reduces noise. Engine options include the Safran Arrius 2B2 Plus and the Pratt & Whitney PW206B3, both producing between 500 and 700 shaft horsepower. With a full fuel tank, the ACH-135 offers a range of 342 nautical miles and a top speed of 140 knots. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,980 kg and can hover at altitudes of up to 7,200 feet.
This is not the first time we’ve seen an extravagant Vahan Puja. In the past, owners have performed similar rituals with high-end cars such as Lamborghinis. In fact, when the Lamborghini Revuelto first arrived at a dealership in Bengaluru, the showroom staff also conducted a religious ceremony.