THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital city has turned celestial as the temple hearth was lit at 10.15 am for Attukal pongala. Lakhs of women are offering pongala to Attukal Bhagavathy. As the fire was lit in the pandara hearth at 10.15 am, the Goddess's spirit filled the entire country like a fiery flame.

The temple and its surroundings were packed with devotees. Pongala hearths were lined up for kilometers away from the temple. Braving the scorching sun, lakhs of women devotees are offering pongala. Pongala pots are placed along the main roads of the city, side roads and home yards. Nivedyam is at 1.15 pm. More than 300 priests will be there to sprinkle holy water. Flowers will be showered during the Nivedya from Cessna aircraft.

Traffic restrictions have been imposed in the city since last afternoon. Mayor Arya Rajendran announced that the health department will conduct special inspections at places where drinking water and food are distributed in connection with the Attukal Pongala. The mayor has asked devotees and those distributing food and drinking water to be careful and to use steel plates, glass and steel utensils instead of single-use products that cause excessive waste generation, and to strictly follow the green protocol.