As the Attukal Pongala festival drew in thousands of women to Thiruvananthapuram, the heart of Kerala, the junction of Palayam stood as a symbol of the state’s culture of harmony. Palayam hosts the Palayam Juma Masjid, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Palayam Mahaganapathy Temple in close proximity, showcasing the city’s diverse ethos.
At the core of the festival lies the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, revered as the “Sabarimala for Women,” dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy with deep-rooted legends. The temple’s history intertwines with folklore connecting the deity to Kannaki from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram.
The festival has grown into one of the world’s largest gatherings of women, with the Pongala ritual earning a place in the Guinness World Records for its massive participation. Over four million people are estimated to partake in the event, which commences in the morning and concludes by 3 pm.
While devotion marked the occasion, Palayam exhibited compassion by providing facilities like resting areas, freshening up spaces, and drinking water at the mosque and cathedral premises. Local groups in Palayam also contributed by offering breakfast, lunch, and other essentials, transforming the festival into a celebration of unity and social harmony.
