- By Kashish Rai
- Sat, 01 Mar 2025 01:28 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Attukal Pongala 2025: The Attukal Pongala festival takes place at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, where Goddess Kannagi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati is worshipped. This popular women's festival is celebrated over ten days, starting from the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham. The festival concludes on the tenth day with a sacrificial offering called Kuruthitharpanam at night. The ninth day of Attukal Pongala is the most significant, with thousands of women from Kerala and Tamil Nadu gathering to cook Pongala, a sweet porridge offering near the temple to please the goddess. Held in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Attukal Pongala is a vibrant celebration that attracts devotees from far and wide.
Check out the start and end date, significance and rituals associated with this Malayalam festival below:
Attukal Pongala 2025: Start And End Date
- Attukal Pongala 2025 Start Date: 5th March 2025
- Attukal Pongala 2025 End Date: 14th March 2025
- Pongala Offering Date 2025: 13th March 2025
Attukal Pongala 2025: Significance
According to the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, Kannagi's husband Kovalan was wrongly accused of stealing the queen's anklet and sentenced to death. Kannagi proved her husband's innocence, but still left the city, stopping at Attukal on her way to the Kodungalloor shrine. Here, she is believed to have taken the form of Goddess Attukalamma.
According to a legend, Goddess Attukalamma appeared as a young girl to an old man at the Killi River, asking for his help to cross the river. After disappearing from his home, she appeared in his dream, requesting a temple be built at a sacred grove where she had drawn three lines. The old man built a small temple which later brought prosperity to the region. Over time, locals renovated the shrine to its current state.
Attukal Pongala celebrates women's devotion and empowerment, bringing together women from all backgrounds. This unique festival symbolises prosperity, unity and faith as women participate in a ritual that promotes solidarity and spiritual growth, showcasing their strength and devotion.
Attukal Pongala celebrates women's devotion, unity, and empowerment, showcasing their strength and faith as they gather to cook Pongala, a sweet offering to Goddess Kannagi. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Attukal Pongala 2025: Rituals
The Attukal Pongala festivities kick off with Thottampattu, a devotional song about Bhagavathi, which continues for nine days. On the ninth day, thousands of women gather at the temple to prepare Pongala, a ritualistic dish from early morning. The chief priest blesses the women with holy water and flowers.
Later, the goddess's idol is taken to the Manacaud Sastha Temple in a vibrant procession, accompanied by music, dance, and decorated elephants. Devotees welcome the procession with Nirapara, a flower-adorned pot filled with paddy. The procession returns to the temple the next morning, marking the end of the festival.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)
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