Pongala festival at Attukal Bhagavathi Temple to begin today; CM assesses preparations, special identity cards for local residents

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Pongala festival at Attukal Bhagavathi Temple begins today with the ceremonial commencement at 10 AM, marking the start of a ten-day festival. The festival will begin with the Kappuketti Kudiyiruthal ritual at 10 am. The Pongala will take place on March 13, the ninth day of the festival.

Yesterday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a review meeting to assess the final preparations for the festival. During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the district administration and police to issue special identity cards for residents in the area to prevent travel disruptions. He emphasized the need for special attention to be given to this matter. The Chief Minister also instructed that there should be no compromises regarding the safety of drinking water and food. Relevant authorities must ensure thorough checks. The Chief Minister also expressed satisfaction with the work done by various departments thus far.

This time, additional women police officers will be deployed for security, said DGP Sheikh Darvesh Saheb. There will also be more female officers in the Fire and Rescue Services.

Alcohol will not be permitted on the temple premises, and special excise squads will be on duty 24/7. KSRTC will operate about 700 services during the festival. Minister V.N. Vasavan, who chaired the meeting, pointed out that the successful completion of the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season at Sabarimala was the result of excellent teamwork by the authorities. He also expressed confidence that similar teamwork would be displayed for the Attukal Pongala festival.

Minister G.R. Anil, MLA Antony Raju, Mayor Arya Rajendran, Municipal Council members, and heads of various departments were among those present at the meeting. Following this, the Mayor inaugurated a road constructed with stones in front of the Attukal Temple. As evening fell, the temple and its surroundings were illuminated with decorative lights.

Namitha Pramod to inaugurate cultural programs
Actress Namitha Pramod will inaugurate the cultural programs at 6 PM today. The cultural programs will be held on the Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika stages. The programs will continue until 1 AM.

Programs

• Music Show led by Jayaraj Warrier and Kallara Gopan: Tomorrow night at 8 PM.
• Music Evening by ADGP Sreejith and team: 6:30 PM on the 7th.
• Panchari Melam, led by actor Jayaram with 101 artists: 6 PM on the 9th.
• Mega show led by Padmapriya, Miya, Priyanka Nair, and others: 10 PM on the 11th.