THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ten-day Attukal temple festival that culminates on February 20 with Pongala started on Tuesday. The singing of Thottam pattu, kappu kettu and kudiyiruthal at 10.20 pm marked the beginning of the festival.

40 lakh devotees from across the globe are expected to offer pongala to Attukal Bhagavati. The festival will conclude on Feb 21. according to the temple trust.

Actor Mammootty inaugurated the cultural programmes to be held as part of the festival in Amba, Ambika and Ambalika auditoriums

Kappu kettal was performed on Devi’s sword by chief priest N Vishnu Namboothiri, Thantri Thekkedathu Kuzhikkattu Parameshawaran Bhattathiri. As the ceremony was going on, the throng of devotees chanted Amme Narayana Devi Narayana…