THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Attukal Pongala will not be complete unless the camera focuses on the usual faces from the film industry. Fans will not be disappointed, as this year’s Attukal Pongala will offer a star-studded presence like in previous years.

Hotel 'Gowri Vandanam' near the Attukal temple is the regular haven for film stars to offer their divine tribute in the form of Pongala to the goddess. Actress Chippy, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, has experienced the culture right from her childhood days.

Kadum Payasam (sweet dessert prepared from rice, jaggery and ghee) and vermicelli kheer include Chippy’s staple pongala offerings. Chippy’s friend and actress Jalaja will also be present at Gowri Vandanam this year.

Jalaja recounted from her memory lane about visiting Pongala at the age of three with her mother.

“I vaguely remember getting distressed in the heat. However, nothing, including heat, would affect me now as I’m dedicated to preparing my offerings to Attukal Amma." said Jalaja.

Actress Seema G Nair will also join Chippy at ‘Gowri Vandanam’. Seema recounted preparing Pongala with the late actress Saranya.

After her husband Sukumaran’s untimely death, Mallika Sukumaran has never been to Pongala. However, she remains a staunch devotee of Attukal Amma. Before heading for Kochi, where she is now, Mallika visited Attukal and made offerings to the temple priest.

Suresh Gopi's wife, Radhika, will be offering Pongala at her house in Sasthamangalam. Suresh Gopi, a usual presence alongside Radhika during Pongala, is in Delhi now and will likely reach Thiruvananthapuram one day before Pongala.

Actress Priyanka Nair is not coming to the temple this time to celebrate Pongala but to perform a dance. Priyanka will also participate in the mega show, along with Padmapriya and Miya, at the Attukal Amba Auditorium on Tuesday at 10 pm. For Priyanka, the festive season is a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of shooting, meet her colleagues and renew relationships. Priyanka also said that she feels very fortunate to be able to appear as a dancer this time.