Thiruvananthapuram all set to welcome another Pongala season

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a press conference conducted on Monday, Attukal temple trust officials confirmed that the temple is all set to welcome another festival season including the revered Pongala. The festival will commence on February 17th with the ‘Kappukett’ ritual at 8 am.

Pongala is scheduled for February 25th. Fire will be lit to the ‘Pandara adupu’ at 10:30 am while the Pooja offerings are set for 2:30 pm. The festival will conclude with ‘Kuruti Tarpanam’ on the February 26th night at 12.30 pm. A 127-member committee has been formed to conduct the Pongal festival. Free food will be provided to all in the temple premises during the festival time.

606 boys have registered for Kuthiyottam. 'Pandara ottam' will also take place this year.

Cultural programs will be held at Amba, Ambika and Ambalika venues in the temple premises. Film star Anusree will inaugurate the art programs on the main stage on the 17th at 6 pm. On the occasion, the Attukal Amba Award will be presented to famous writer George Onakkoor.

Temple Chairman S.Venugopal, President V.Shobha, Secretary Sarathkumar K, Vice President Krishnan Nair PK, Joint Secretary Anumod S, Treasurer Geethakumari A, Ponkala Mahotsavam General Convenor Sisupalan Nair K, Joint General Convener Vijayakumar AL, and Publicity Committee convener D. Chitralekha participated in the press conference.

Prime functions held at the temple will be broadcasted through Akashavani and will be also available on www.attukal.org website.

Organizations and residents' associations distributing food and drinking water to devotees coming to Pongala should get permission from the Food Safety Department and the nearest police station. Organizations providing food and drinking water should avoid using plastic. Devotees should use steel utensils only.

Lady devotees participating in pongala ritual should wear cotton clothes. Gold ornaments and valuables should be avoided while visiting the temple.