Attukal Pongala
Attukal Pongala is a 10-day religious festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is exclusively observed by women devotees. The festival begins on the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham and concludes with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. It typically falls in February or March.
The ritualistic Attukal Pongala is dedicated to Goddess Attukalamma or Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), the chief deity of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, often referred to as the Sabarimala for Women. This festival holds the distinction of being the largest annual gathering of women in the world, as recognized by the Guinness World Records. The ceremony was first acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records on February 23, 1997, when 1.5 million women participated in Pongala. In 2009, a new Guinness World Record was set with 2.5 million attendees.
Pongala, meaning 'to boil over', is a ritual where women prepare sweet payasam, a pudding made from rice, jaggery, coconut, and plantains, and offer it to the Goddess Attukalamma. Despite the scorching heat, thousands of women gather around the Attukal temple to make offerings of Pongala. The ritual begins with 'Aduppuvettu', the lighting of the Pongala hearth (called Pandarayaduppu) inside the temple by the chief priest. After the Pongala is prepared, the chief priest blesses the women by sprinkling holy water and showering flowers while carrying Devi's sword. The blessed Pongala is then distributed among the devotees as Prasadam. Devotees believe that Attukal Amma will be present at Attukal during the Pongala festival to bless them.
Specialty of Festival:
The Attukal Pongala is considered the largest congregation of women for a festival in the world.
Month of Festival:
Attukal Pongala is often celebrated on the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham which usually falls between February and March.
How to reach?
By Air : Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport, 5.4 Km away from Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
By Train :Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station, 3 Km away from Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
By Road :Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is easily accessible by road. You can choose private transportation, take a bus, or hire a cab to reach the temple.
FAQ
1.What is Attukal Pongala?
Attukal Pongala is an annual 10-day festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala. Dedicated to Attukal Bhagavathy, also known as Goddess Kannaki or Bhadrakali, this festival draws women devotees from far and wide to offer Pongala, a special offering to the deity.
2.When is Attukal Pongala celebrated?
Attukal Pongala is often celebrated on the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham which usually falls between February and March.
3.Which temple is renowned for Attukal Pongala?
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala is renowned for Attukal Pongala.
4.What do you experience at Attukal Pongala?
During Attukal Pongala, you'll witness a vibrant gathering of women devotees at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple preparing a special offering called "Pongala" in clay pots, filling the area with its aroma. The temple and its surrounding area transform into a sea of hearths as thousands of women participate in the ritual, creating a vibrant and devotional atmosphere.