Attukal Pongala 2025

Attukal Pongala is one of the most renowned festivals in Kerala, celebrated with immense devotion and grandeur at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Known for its cultural significance and spiritual fervor, this Malayalam festival is a ten-day-long event that begins on the Karthigai star of the Malayalam months Makaram or Kumbham (January-February). The festival reaches its crescendo on the ninth day, with the globally celebrated Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam, which, in 2025, will take place on Thursday, March 13th.

Significance & Importance of Attukal Pongala

The festival is rooted in the worship of Attukal Bhagavathy, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Kannaki, who symbolizes feminine power, justice, and compassion. Women devotees, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, gather in unprecedented numbers to participate in this auspicious event. They prepare the traditional pongala, a sacred offering of rice, jaggery, and coconut, cooked in earthen pots, symbolizing their love and devotion to the goddess. The temple premises and surrounding streets transform into a vast, open-air altar, resonating with prayers, chants, and the collective energy of faith.

Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest congregation of women for a religious gathering, Attukal Pongala is not merely a festival but a profound testament to the strength of collective devotion and the enduring cultural heritage of Kerala involving an extraordinary celebration. This iconic event transcends religious and social boundaries, uniting women from all walks of life in an unparalleled display of solidarity and spiritual fervor. It is a celebration that transforms the entire city of Thiruvananthapuram into a sacred space, where faith, tradition, and community come together in a harmonious and awe-inspiring manner. Attukal Pongala stands as a beacon of the divine feminine energy, embodying the essence of devotion, resilience, and cultural pride.

This extraordinary festival, rooted in tradition and devotion, is a testament to the enduring cultural heritage and unshakable faith of millions of women who come together to celebrate the divine feminine power of Attukal Bhagavathy.

Story of Attukal Pongala Festival

The central story of the Attukal Pongala festival finds its roots in the timeless Tamil epic Silappathikaram, a tale of love, betrayal, justice, and divine transformation. At the heart of this epic lies the story of Kannaki , a devoted wife and embodiment of feminine strength, who is celebrated as the divine presence at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.

Kannaki was married to Kovalan, a merchant who, swayed by misfortune and poor decisions, squandered their wealth and abandoned her for another woman. However, upon realizing his folly, Kovalan returned to Kannaki, who forgave him wholeheartedly. The couple decided to start anew and moved to Madurai, the capital of the Pandya kingdom. To begin their life afresh, Kovalan attempted to sell Kannaki’s prized possession—an exquisite pair of anklets filled with precious gems.

Tragically, this act led to Kovalan’s untimely death. He was falsely accused of stealing the queen’s anklet, and without proper trial, the king ordered his execution. Overcome with grief and rage, Kannaki approached the king's court to demand justice. She shattered her other anklet to reveal its precious contents, proving Kovalan’s innocence and exposing the king’s grave error. Enraged by the injustice, Kannaki invoked her divine power, tearing off her breast in an act of ultimate sacrifice. Her fury caused the city of Madurai to burn in flames, symbolizing the destruction of corruption and dishonesty.

After the city was reduced to ashes, Kannaki’s anger subsided, and sorrow overwhelmed her. She began wandering in search of solace, moving across mountains, rivers, and forests. Eventually, she arrived at Attukal, a serene and verdant region. It is believed that Kannaki, in her grief-stricken state, transformed into a compassionate and benevolent goddess, choosing Attukal as her sacred abode.

The local women, moved by her divine presence, welcomed her with open hearts and reverence. They prepared simple offerings of food—rice, jaggery, and coconut—symbolizing purity and devotion, to appease the goddess and honor her journey. This heartfelt gesture became the foundation of the pongala ritual, where women offer the same preparation in clay pots to express their gratitude and seek blessings from the goddess.

Over centuries, this act of devotion evolved into a grand celebration, with millions of women coming together annually to participate in Attukal Pongala, reenacting the sacred offering that first connected the goddess to her devotees. The story of Kannaki serves as a timeless reminder of justice, resilience, and divine grace, forming the very soul of this extraordinary festival.

Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi

Attukal Pongala will be celebrated on Thursday, March 13th, 2025 .

This grand festival is observed on the Karthigai star of the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March).

Key Timings for Attukal Pongala 2025:

• Pongala Hearth Lighting (Main Ritual Start): 10:30 AM (IST)
• Blessing of Pongala Offerings by Temple Priests: 02:00 PM (IST) onward

Other Important Timings:

• Preparation Time for Pongala Ritual: 06:00 AM to 10:30 AM (IST)
• Temple Rituals and Special Poojas: Throughout the day, beginning at 04:00 AM (IST)

On this sacred day, millions of women from across the globe gather around the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple and its surrounding areas to prepare the traditional pongala , a sweet offering of rice, jaggery, and coconut.

Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.

How to celebrate Attukal Pongala

The grand celebration of Attukal Pongala unfolds in a series of deeply spiritual and culturally rich rituals, beginning with the ceremonial prayers and poojas conducted at the sacred Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. As the day of Pongala dawns, the temple premises and surrounding streets come alive with a unique blend of devotion, community spirit, and spiritual fervor. The festival reaches its pinnacle when the pongala hearths are lit , symbolizing the collective faith and dedication of millions of women devotees who gather to honor the divine mother goddess.

The lighting of the hearths is not merely a ritual but a profound act of devotion that signifies the beginning of a sacred offering. Women, dressed in traditional attire, prepare the pongala -a simple yet significant dish made with rice, jaggery, and coconut-over clay pots and open fires. This offering is a humble yet powerful expression of gratitude, devotion, and hope, connecting each devotee to the goddess through an act of selfless service. As the fires blaze and the aroma of the sweet pongala fills the air, the festival transforms into a collective spiritual experience, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled sanctity and divine energy.

Once the pongala is prepared, the temple priests move through the crowds, sprinkling holy water on the offerings. This act of blessing sanctifies the pongala, turning it into prasadam, a sacred food imbued with the goddess’s blessings. The moment of receiving this divine benediction is deeply moving for the devotees, as it is believed to bring prosperity, well-being, and protection to their families.

As the day progresses, the celebration continues with cultural performances, devotional singing (bhajans), and community prayers, all of which enhance the spiritual atmosphere. The festival reaches its conclusion with the Kuruthitharpanam , a traditional sacrificial offering performed at night within the temple premises. This ritual, marking the end of the ten-day-long festivities, is an act of symbolic purification and thanksgiving. Devotees believe that the Kuruthitharpanam, performed in the presence of the goddess, helps cleanse the soul and renew spiritual energy.

The culmination of Attukal Pongala is not just a ceremonial ending but a moment of reflection, gratitude, and collective joy. It reaffirms the values of faith, unity, and community, leaving every participant with a profound sense of spiritual fulfillment and divine connection.

Attukal Pongala Festival Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)

The Attukal Pongala Festival Puja Vidhi is a deeply spiritual and meticulously followed procedure that reflects the devotion and reverence of the devotees towards the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy. The puja begins early in the morning, with the devotees preparing themselves through rituals of purification.

Many women start their day with a holy bath, signifying the cleansing of the body and soul, and don traditional attire to mark their participation in this sacred event. The early hours are filled with chants and prayers as devotees mentally prepare to perform the pongala offering with utmost sincerity and devotion.

The ritual commences with the lighting of the main hearth within the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, performed by the chief priest. This flame, considered highly auspicious, is seen as the divine blessing of the goddess and is distributed to light the countless hearths set up by devotees across the city.

Women arrange their hearths, typically made of bricks and fueled by firewood, along roadsides, courtyards, and open spaces surrounding the temple. Each hearth is adorned with decorations, including banana leaves and flowers, creating a festive yet serene atmosphere.

Once the hearths are lit, the preparation of the pongala offering begins. The dish, a sweet mixture of rice, jaggery, and coconut, is cooked in earthen pots over the open flame. The act of preparing pongala is performed with a meditative focus, as it is considered an offering of love and gratitude to the goddess. The sight of thousands of women, united in their devotion, cooking their offerings under the open sky creates an awe-inspiring spiritual ambiance. Devotees often sing devotional songs during this time, further elevating the sacred atmosphere.

When the pongala is ready, the temple priests, carrying holy water and sacred lamps, move through the streets and hearths to bless the offerings. The blessed pongala, now considered prasadam, is carefully collected by the devotees and taken home to be shared with family and friends. This act of sharing symbolizes the goddess’s blessings of prosperity, happiness, and harmony being extended to all.

The festival concludes with the Kuruthitharpanam ritual at night, signifying the culmination of the ten-day celebration. This ritual, involving symbolic sacrifices and prayers, is performed within the temple premises and marks the devotees’ final act of gratitude and surrender to the divine. The entire puja procedure is a profound expression of collective devotion, reflecting the cultural richness and spiritual depth of the Attukal Pongala Festival.

Attukal Pongala Puja Mantra

Pongala Offering Mantra

While preparing the sacred pongala, devotees chant this prayer to dedicate their offering to the goddess:

'Om Devi Attukalayai Namah'

This simple yet powerful mantra acknowledges the divine presence of Attukal Bhagavathy and expresses surrender and gratitude. It is often repeated silently or aloud as the pongala is prepared.

Attukal Pongala Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)

The Attukal Pongala Vrat Vidhi is observed with deep devotion and adherence to traditional practices, focusing on purity, prayer, and offerings to the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy.

Below is a concise outline of the procedure:

• Purification : Begin the day with a holy bath to cleanse the body and mind. Wear fresh, traditional attire and maintain purity in thoughts and actions.
• Fasting : Many devotees observe a fast, consuming simple vegetarian food or water only, depending on their capacity, as a mark of devotion.
• Preparation : Arrange a hearth made of bricks and set up an earthen or metal pot for cooking the pongala. Gather essential ingredients like rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee for the sacred offering.
• Lighting the Hearth : The main ritual begins when the chief priest at the Attukal Temple lights the temple hearth. This flame is symbolically passed on to the devotees’ hearths, marking the start of the pongala preparation.
• Cooking Pongala : Prepare the pongala dish with devotion, chanting mantras or silently praying to the goddess. The offering is considered an expression of gratitude and surrender.
• Blessing the Offering : Once the pongala is ready, wait for the temple priests to sprinkle holy water on the offerings, sanctifying them as prasadam.
• Completion : After receiving blessings, devotees conclude the vrat by sharing the prasadam with family and friends, symbolizing prosperity and harmony.
• Final Rituals: Some devotees may visit the temple to participate in the concluding prayers and rituals, including the Kuruthitharpanam at night.

This vrat is a profound act of devotion and surrender to the divine mother, seeking her blessings for peace, protection, and prosperity.

Attukal Pongala Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)

A popular Attukal Pongala Vrat Katha centers around the manifestation of Attukal Bhagavathy as a compassionate goddess who sought refuge among the people of Attukal. This story emphasizes the divine connection between the goddess and her devotees, particularly women, and highlights the origin of the pongala offering.

The Story of the Goddess’ Arrival at Attukal

It is believed that Attukal Bhagavathy is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati or Devi Kannaki, who descended to earth to bless and protect her devotees. According to the legend, a young girl appeared in the serene village of Attukal, near Thiruvananthapuram. She was dressed in radiant attire, her divine presence exuding an aura of peace and benevolence. This girl, who was none other than the goddess herself, walked through the village, mesmerizing everyone with her charm and grace.

The goddess approached a group of local women, who were immediately drawn to her divine beauty and demeanor. They welcomed her warmly and offered her food and shelter, unaware of her divine identity. In return, the girl blessed them and asked for a place to rest. She revealed her true form as the divine Bhagavathy and instructed the women to offer a special dish, pongala, as a token of their love and devotion.

After blessing the villagers, the goddess disappeared, leaving behind a divine presence that was deeply felt by all. The place where she rested later became the sacred Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, and the tradition of offering pongala was established to honor her blessings and express gratitude.

The Significance of the Story

This katha is a reminder of the intimate relationship between the goddess and her devotees. The act of preparing pongala is not just a ritual but an offering of love, faith, and humility, replicating the devotion shown by the women who first served the goddess. The story reinforces the idea that the divine mother resides in every heart that welcomes her with pure devotion, and through the pongala ritual, her blessings are showered upon all.

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Conclusion

The Attukal Pongala Festival is a profound spiritual experience and a powerful testimony to the strength of collective faith and devotion. As the fragrant aroma of pongala rises to the heavens, blending with the chants of countless women united in prayer, the festival becomes a vibrant symbol of divine grace, feminine power, and community harmony. It transforms the bustling streets of Thiruvananthapuram into a sacred sanctuary where faith transcends boundaries, bringing together women from all walks of life in an unparalleled act of devotion. The rich legends, elaborate rituals, and the unyielding devotion of millions breathe life into this ancient tradition, making Attukal Pongala not just an event but a cultural phenomenon that reflects the spiritual soul of Kerala. For every participant, the festival leaves an indelible mark—a memory of shared prayers, blessings received, and the profound realization that in coming together to honor the divine, they also celebrate the resilience, unity, and spirit of humanity itself.

FAQs

Why is Attukal Pongala celebrated exclusively by women, and how does it empower them?

Attukal Pongala is unique because it is celebrated almost entirely by women, earning it the title of 'Women’s Sabarimala.' The festival is a tribute to the divine feminine energy embodied by Attukal Bhagavathy, who represents justice, compassion, and empowerment. By participating in the pongala ritual, women not only express their devotion but also experience a profound sense of solidarity and spiritual strength. The sight of millions of women, from all walks of life, coming together to cook and pray creates an atmosphere of empowerment, breaking barriers of class, caste, and religion, and reminding the world of the transformative power of collective female energy.

What makes Attukal Pongala one of the largest religious gatherings in the world?

Attukal Pongala holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest annual gathering of women for a religious purpose. The festival attracts millions of devotees from across India and even the world, as women congregate in Thiruvananthapuram to participate in the sacred pongala ritual. The remarkable aspect of this event is how it turns the entire city into a temple—every street, courtyard, and open space becomes a site of worship. The meticulous coordination and communal harmony displayed during the event are unparalleled, making it a global marvel and a profound cultural phenomenon.