Alappuzha/Thiruvananthapuram: Authorities have declared local holidays in parts of Kerala in connection with two major temple festivals — the Chettikulangara Kumbhabharani and the Attukal Pongala.

Chettikulangara Kumbhabharani 2026: Holiday in two Alappuzha taluks on Feb 23

A local holiday has been declared on February 23 in Mavelikkara and Karthikappally taluks of Alappuzha district in connection with the annual Kumbhabharani festival at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. All government offices and educational institutions in the two taluks will remain closed on the day.

Public examinations, however, will be conducted as per the existing schedule.

The Kumbhabharani Mahotsavam, observed in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, is one of the most prominent temple festivals in central Kerala. The celebration is known for rituals such as Kuthiyottam and the spectacular Kettukazhcha processions, drawing large crowds of devotees every year.

Attukal Pongala 2026: District holiday and liquor ban in TVM on March 3

The District Collector has declared a local holiday across the district on March 3, the main day of the Attukal Pongala festival at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. All educational institutions, as well as government and semi-government offices, will remain closed.

In view of the festival, authorities have also ordered the closure of liquor outlets within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits and the Vellar ward of Venganoor grama panchayat. The prohibition will take effect from 6 pm on March 2 and continue until 6 pm on March 3.

Attukal Pongala is regarded as one of the largest congregations of women devotees in the world, with lakhs offering Pongala to the presiding deity, necessitating extensive administrative and traffic arrangements across the capital district.