THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Attukal Pongala festival returns to its old glory as the city fills with hearths and the townspeople celebrate together. After a gap of two years due to covid, lakhs of women are coming to Amma's shrine again to offer Pongala.
The ceremony will begin at 4.30 am on the 27th. Pongala is on March 7. At 10.30 am, the Pongala fire will be lit. Pongala will be offered at 2.30 pm after Ucha Puja. For the last two years, Pongala was offered only at the Pandara aduppu. Devotees offered Pongala to the Goddess at home. This time, it is estimated that the entire capital city will be filled with Pongala hearths. Arrangements will be made accordingly.
Local committees and various organizations have started preparations in various parts of the city to welcome lakhs of devotees. The specialty of Attukal Pongala is that the volunteers compete by providing two meals of food, drinking water, cold drinks, and fruits, and a helping hand to offer Pongala. Urban residents also open their backyards to the public for Pongala regardless of caste.
Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika auditoriums will have art programs till March 6 from 6 am to 11 pm. Film star Unnimukundan will inaugurate the art programs on the 27th at 6 pm. Dr. P Bhanumathi, a community activist, will be awarded the Attukal Amba award at the function. There will be Mohiniyattam performance of Methil Devika at 10 pm.