For first time in history, Attukal Pongala to be held as temple ritual today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The auspicious Attukal Pongala will be held on Saturday. Owing to the Covid situation Pongala will be held as a temple ritual only, for the first time in history, without the participation of lakhs of devotees in public places and roads. However, the devotees can offer Pongala in their own homes. The tantri of the temple will hand over the light to the chief priest from the sanctum sanctorum to light up the hearth at 10.50 am on Saturday. After the Pongala ritual, 'Nivedhyam' and offerings at noon will be carried out at 3.40 pm. Those who perform Pongala at home should also light a fire and offer it at this time. Priests won't come from the temple for 'Nivedhyam'.

The district administration has informed that Pongala offerings should not be made in public places. People should avoid gathering in houses in Attukal and nearby wards.