CELEBRATION OF FAITH!! Attukal Pongala Festival Begins in Kerala

The Attukal Pongala Festival, one of the world’s largest gatherings of women, started today at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala’s capital. This 10-day annual event, dedicated to Goddess Attukalamma (an incarnation of Goddess Kannagi), draws millions of women devotees who prepare Pongala—a sweet dish of rice, jaggery, coconut, and plantains—as an offering to the deity. Known as the "Sabarimala of Women," the festival holds a Guinness World Record for the largest congregation of women, with 2.5 million attendees recorded in 2009.

The festival began today with the Kappuketti Kudiyiruthal ritual at 10 a.m., marking the start of a vibrant celebration that peaks on March 13, the ninth day, with the Pongala Mahotsavam. On this day, women line the streets of Thiruvananthapuram, lighting makeshift brick hearths to cook Pongala in earthen pots. The ritual, meaning "to boil over," starts at 10:15 a.m. with the Aduppuvettu ceremony, led by the temple’s chief priest, followed by the offering (Nivedyam) at 1:15 p.m. The festival concludes on March 14 with the Kuruthi Tharpanam, a sacrificial offering at 1 a.m.

Rooted in legend, Attukal Pongala commemorates Goddess Kannagi’s triumph over injustice, as told in the Tamil epic Silappathikaram. The event transforms the city into a sacred space, with cultural programs, processions, and blessings from the temple priests, who sprinkle holy water and flowers on the devotees. This year, adhering to a green protocol, authorities have launched a door-to-door campaign to promote sustainability.

With extensive arrangements, including 3,300 police personnel, 180 CCTV cameras, and health services, the festival showcases Kerala’s rich heritage and the unbreakable spirit of its women. Attukal Pongala remains a powerful symbol of devotion, community, and empowerment.