THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shivadasan, a textile businessman from Shree Geetham, Kozhikode suggested his wife Radha participate in the Attukal Pongala festival. Radha sought advice from one of her daughters-in-law Lesna known for her leadership qualities. Lesna rallied Radha's sisters Leela, Anitha and Beena. Another daughter-in-law Anusha also joined the group for the journey, along with household help Shantha.

Equipped with essentials, they traveled from Kozhikode by train purchasing pots and spoons in the capital. Thanks to their textile industry experience, they secured accommodation arranged by Sangeetha Silks officials near Tagore Theater in Vazhuthakkad.

Their pilgrimage extended to several temples besides Attukal including Azhimala Shiva Temple, Neyyattinkara Sri Krishnaswamy Temple, Chengal Maheswara Shiva Temple, Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Pazhavangadi Ganapati Temple.

Despite fracturing her leg during a trip to Bengaluru for Calicut Fabric and Silk Mandir, Lesna refused to abandon the Attukal journey. Determined, she participated in the Pongala festival, despite her injury.