Attukal Pongala 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance

Attukal Pongala is a renowned annual festival held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, celebrated predominantly by women. Recognized by the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious event, the festival exemplifies devotion, community, and the celebration of feminine power.

Festival Overview

• Duration: The festival spans ten days, commencing on March 5, 2025, and concluding on March 15, 2025.

• Main Event: The most significant day is March 13, 2025, when the Pongala ritual is performed.

Key Dates and Rituals

1. March 5, 2025: Kappuketti Kudiyiruthal ritual at 10:00 AM, marking the festival's commencement.

2. March 7, 2025: Kuthiyottam ritual begins at 9:15 AM, involving young boys undertaking a penance.

3. March 13, 2025:

   • 10:15 AM: Aduppuvettu (lighting of the hearth), initiating the Pongala preparation.

   • 1:15 PM: Pongala Nivedyam (offering of the prepared Pongala).

   • 11:15 PM: Purathezhunnallathu procession.

4. March 14, 2025: Kappazhikkal ritual at 10:00 PM.

5. March 15, 2025: Kuruthi Tharpanam (sacrificial offering) at 1:00 AM, concluding the festival.

Pongala Ritual Details

On the main day, March 13, millions of women gather around the temple and surrounding areas to prepare 'Pongala,' a sweet dish made from rice, jaggery, coconut, and plantains, cooked in earthen pots. This offering is made to the goddess Attukal Amma, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. The ritual begins with the chief priest lighting the main hearth inside the temple, from which the fire is passed on to the devotees' hearths.

Significance

Attukal Pongala symbolizes the victory of good over evil and highlights the power of feminine energy (Shakti). It fosters a sense of community, unity, and shared devotion among women from various walks of life. The festival is often referred to as the 'Women's Sabarimala,' underscoring its importance as a space for female spirituality and solidarity.

Guidelines for Devotees

• Safety Measures: Avoid setting up cooking stoves near petrol stations to prevent fire hazards.

• Alcohol Ban: The sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited within the corporation limits and in the Vellar ward at Venganoor panchayat from 6:00 PM on March 12 until 6:00 PM on March 13.

• Environmental Considerations: Adhere to the green protocol by minimizing waste and avoiding the use of non-biodegradable materials.

• Traffic and Parking: Follow parking restrictions and traffic guidelines issued by local authorities to ensure smooth movement and safety.

Conclusion

Attukal Pongala is more than just a festival; it's a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and tradition. It offers a unique glimpse into Kerala's rich cultural tapestry and the profound spirituality that binds its people.

For more detailed information on the festival's schedule and guidelines, please refer to the official announcements from the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple authorities.

Sources