Lakhs of devotees take part in Attukal Pongala; PM Modi calls it symbol of Nari Shakti

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lakhs of women took part in the famous Pongala ritual at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, offering prayers to Attukal Amma with deep devotion. As traditional musical instruments were played, the sacred fire was lit at the main Pandara hearth inside the temple premises. Soon after, fires were lit in lakhs of temporary hearths set up by devotees. Pongala hearths were arranged within a 10-kilometre radius around the temple.

Thousands of women had prepared their hearths along the streets on Monday itself and waited in prayer. On the Pongala day, which falls on the Pooram star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, thousands lined up for darshan even before the temple doors opened at dawn.

Tantri Thekkedathu Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathiripad lit the main lamp in front of the deity and handed over the flame to Melsanthi Aneesh Namboothiri. The fire was first lit in the hearths inside the Thidappalli and Valiya Thidappalli. At 9.47 am, the sacred fire was lit at the main Pandara hearth in the temple courtyard, followed by fireworks. Amid devotional chants, the flame was passed on to the devotees’ hearths.

Devotees praised the goddess and lit their hearths. At 10.11 am, the main offering at the Pandara hearth boiled over, marking an important moment in the ritual. By noon, most devotees had completed preparing Pongala. Other ritual offerings also followed. Free food was distributed in many places. At 2.15 pm, the ritual offering (nivedyam) was performed. Around 350 priests carried holy water into the crowd and sprinkled it over the offerings. With their prayers fulfilled, devotees returned home. Flower showers were also arranged during the offering ceremony. Many women prepared Pongala at their own homes. Devotees from outside the state and even abroad took part in the ritual.

The KSRTC operated additional bus services, and special train services were also arranged. From early morning, young girls carrying Thalappoli plates reached the temple. The Kuthiyottam ritual began at 8.30 pm. Due to a lunar eclipse, the temple was closed from 3.10 pm to 7 pm.

Attukal Pongala is symbol of Nari Shakti, says PM Modi
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Attukal Pongala as a symbol of Nari Shakti (women’s power). In a message posted on X, he wished that the auspicious occasion would bring prosperity and good health to everyone and strengthen unity and harmony in society.