Attukal Pongala is the main annual festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple which is one of the oldest temples in Trivandrum. This temple is known as the Sabarimala of Women devotees. It is the abode of the goddess who cares for her devotees like a mother and grants them every wish. The Pongala festival attracts millions of women regardless of religious faith from all over the world who offers pongala or Naivedyam in earthen pots.
Festival
Attukal Pongala
Way of excecution and activities Attukal Pongala
Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam is a ten day festival which starts with the traditional Kappukettu and Kudiyiruthu ceremony and the idol of the goddess is embellished with Bangles (Kappu). This festival is the largest congregation of women on the ninth day of the festival who offers pongala or Naivedyam in earthen pots as offering to the goddess. The uniqueness of this festival is that only women are allowed to take part in the Pongala ritual. More than five million women from all over the world take part in this Pongala ritual by offering sweet dish consisting of rice porridge, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins to appease the presiding deity known as Attukalamma. This congregation covers a radius of 10 kms around the temple. Attukal Pongala has become a symbol of celebration of womanhood. The dedication and devotion to the Mother goddess empowers the body, mind and soul of the devotee and give them happiness and make her mentally and spiritually strong to face life’s challenges. After the Pongala ritual the goddess is taken out of the temple in procession during the night on caparisoned elephants accompanied by small girls in traditional Thalapoli dress and boys who does Kuthiottam offerings. The festival ends with Kuruthitharpanam in the night of the 10th day.
Similar Festivals
- Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagawathi temple Pongala
- Karikakam Chamundidevi temple Pongala
