Attukal Pongala festival is basically an annual festival which is celebrated in the month February to tribute the powers of Bhagavathi. Etymology of Pongala refers to the ceremonial offering to the deity presided over the doors of this pristine and temple and during the festival devotee from all around the corner comes to the site to offer porridge of rice, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins.
The most important feature of this festival is only women are allowed to participate in this custom and that could be the sole reason that this festival is often called ceremony of women. Prior to the summon of the festival thousands of women irrespective of communal barriers and discriminations like caste, race, colour and status gathers around the site of the temple and offers Pongala to the Shrine.
In true sense it has become a symbol of affection and dedication to Devi who in turn bless all the women with her grace and blessing and since this festival reflects womanhood. As per the documents it is said that the women who comes here finds the meaning of her existence and just a rough picture and her thirst for eternity would find its meaning.
It’s been refer that the women coming out here discover true bonds between mind, body and soul which in turn reflects the positive vibes and attaches them with true happiness. Beside that women coming here are described to be spiritually and mentally equipped to surpass all the obstacles in future.
To relate its importance for women one can review the account of Guinness book of world record to understand its dignity and significance because twice it has hold the records for gathering humongous crowd and that does speak the volume without uttering a word.
Significance of the Festival
The main highlight of the festival is its tribute to Goddess Attukalamma who is believed to be incarnation of Kannaki the lead actress of Silappathikaram which was written by renowned Tamil poet Illango in 2nd century A.D.
Celebrating Attukal Pongala
The festival begins with religious songs that last for 9 days which calls for a prelude of festival. On 9th day women from every corner comes here and starts to cook Pongala for offering. The customary way of cooking pongala is one should start as early as possible in morning and by noon Pongala would be ready. Then the chief priest comes out Devi sword and graces the lady’s by showering water and flowers.
Later an idol of Devi which is escorted by elephants and then they perform procession where presiding deity is carried all the way to Manacaud Sastha Temple.
How to Reach There
Nearest railway station to reach here is Thiruvananthapuram Central which is about 2 km away from the shrine.
Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is about 7 km from the shrine.
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