Attukal Pongala: Kerala's Grand Celebration of Devotion and Unity

The Attukal Pongala festival in Kerala sees thousands of women gather to offer 'pongala'—a sacred ritual involving cooking sweet dishes for the deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured measures are in place for a smooth, waste-free celebration, urging cooperation from all attendees.

Thousands of women are streaming into Kerala's capital to partake in the renowned Attukal Pongala festival, scheduled for March 13, a day dedicated to devotion and unity.

In a proactive move via social media, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured the public that meticulous arrangements have been made under the district administration's guidance, ensuring a seamless experience for festival-goers. He stressed the importance of adhering to traffic rules and maintaining cleanliness throughout the city.

The revered festival is often dubbed the 'Women's Sabarimala' due to its unique focus on female devotion, highlighted by the preparation of 'pongala'—a special offering of rice, jaggery, and coconut. The event reaches its peak following a nine-day ritual that involves the telling of the Goddess's tale and the lighting of sacred hearths, signifying justice and divine victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)