Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a massive display of devotion as thousands of women congregated for the yearly Pongala festival at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, transforming the city into a sea of glowing hearths.
The event saw makeshift brick stoves spanning over 10 kilometers from the temple courtyard, creating a grand yagashala throughout the city. Devotees from various parts of Kerala and beyond came together overnight, chanting prayers to Attukal Amma.
Rituals commenced with a purification ceremony at 9.15 a.m., followed by the ceremonial “Aduppu Vettu” at 9.45 a.m., where the sacred flame was passed from hearth to hearth. Women then engaged in synchronized prayer, cooking rice, jaggery, and coconut in earthen pots as smoke rose over the skyline.
Dedicated to Attukal Bhagavathi, believed to be an incarnation of Kannaki from the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, the temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. The festival, which began as a gesture to honor Kannaki, has grown into one of the largest gatherings of women devotees globally.
This year’s festival marked a unique occurrence as the BJP-led Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation oversaw the event for the first time in the city’s history. Mayor V.V. Rajesh ensured smooth proceedings, with a record 3,500 cleaning staff set to clean the city post-event.
