Local holiday in these taluks on December 4, holiday applies to all educational institutions and govt offices

ALAPPUZHA: The Alappuzha District Collector has announced a local holiday on Thursday, December 4, in connection with the Chakkulathukavu Pongala festival. The holiday will be observed in the taluks of Kuttanad, Chengannur, Mavelikkara, and Ambalappuzha. It applies to all government offices and educational institutions, except residential schools. However, offices engaged in local body election duties and voter list revision work will operate as usual. Public examinations will also take place as planned.

The Pongala offering at Chakkulathukavu temple is held on the Thrikarthika day in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. Devotees believe that offering Pongala to Goddess Chakkulathamma brings blessings such as fulfilment of wishes, marital prosperity, and wealth. Thousands of devotees arrive not only from different districts of Kerala but also from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana to participate in the festival.

To support devotees, KSRTC will operate special services in addition to regular schedules from various depots. Multiple information centres have also been set up to assist devotees.