THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Braving the scorching sun, lakhs of devotees offered pongala to Attukal Devi. The nivedhyam of the pongala was at 1.15 pm. Holy water was sprinkled on the pongala pots on the roadsides and at homes. The pongala began at 10.15 am with the lighting of fire in the main hearth in front of the temple.

The capital city turned into a holy ground with thick smoke billowing in the air from lakhs of hearths. The capital city was occupied by devotees from various parts of the state right from early morning. All the roads leading to the temple were flooded with devotees.

The boys for Kuthiyottam are subjected to choral koothu. There are 582 boys aged between 5 and 12 for the Kuthiyottam. The idol of Devi will be taken out to Manacaud Sashta Temple at 11.15 pm in a colourful procession. The procession will return to the temple Friday morning. The pongal festival ends with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthi Tharpanam at night.

A heavy rush was witnessed this time compared to previous years. Women from various districts of Kerala arrived to offer pongala. Many film and TV stars offered pongala. ASHA workers protesting in front of the secretariat also offered pongala. The police had made elaborate arrangements for women to offer pongala.