Thiruvananthapuram turns devotional hub ahead of Attukal Pongala; Nivdeyam at 2:15 pm, Paranoor Nandan to carry diety idol

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Engulfed in a devotional spirit, lakhs of devotees will offer Pongala at Attukal today. After the Pantheeradi Pooja and Deeparadhana at 8.30 am, the Shuddha Punyaham (sacred Hindu purification ritual) will be held at around 9.25 am. The Pongala stoves will be lit at 9.45 am.

The fire from the Pandara Aduppu ( the main, sacred hearth) will be spread into the hearths around the temple premises. When the announcement is heard from the temple along with the Chendamelam and the sound of fireworks, the devotees will put fire into their hearths. After the noon pooja, the Nivedyam will be held at 2.15 pm. Deeparadhana will be held in the temple during the Nivedyam. Then the Ushashribali and Uchhashribala will be held. Flower petals will be showered on the hearths of devotees during the Nivedyam.

Due to the lunar eclipse, the temple will be closed at 3.10 pm. The temple will open at 7 pm. The Kuthiyottam ceremony will start at 8.30 pm. The procession will be taken out at 10.45 am. This year, 581 boys are participating in the ritual.

Tusker Paranoor Nandan will carry the deity idol during the procession. The boys who take part in the Kuthiyottam ceremony will accompany the procession. The return procession will be held on Wednesday morning.