Thiruvananthapuram: The capital city of Kerala is once again immersed in the grand celebration of Attukal Pongala, one of the largest religious gatherings of women. This festival, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Attukal Devi, is not only a religious occasion but also a powerful symbol of women's devotion, unity and empowerment. The festival draws millions of women from across Kerala and beyond, who come together to honour the goddess, believed to be a form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

The mythological origin: 

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Attukal Pongala today: Kerala's capital city brims with devotion and preparations

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The sacred rituals: What happens during Attukal Pongala?

Attukal Pongala is deeply rooted in mythology, with its origins tied to the legendary figure of Kannagi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. According to the Tamil epic Silappathikaram, Kannagi's husband, Kovalan, was wrongfully accused of stealing the queen’s anklet and was unjustly sentenced to death. Enraged by the injustice, Kannagi rushed to the king with her anklet to prove her husband's innocence. Upon breaking the anklet, which contained rubies (as opposed to the queen's pearls), she cursed the city of Madurai, causing it to burn. The curse was believed to be fulfilled due to her chastity and purity.

After destroying Madurai, Kannagi is said to have passed through Attukal on her journey to Kodungalloor. It is here that she is believed to have taken the form of Attukalamma, where her anger subsided, and she became a compassionate, merciful deity. As Attukalamma, she began blessing those who worshipped her, and devotees now believe that she listens to their prayers, fulfills their wishes, and alleviates their sufferings.

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the focal point of this festival, where thousands of devotees gather to seek the goddess's blessings.

Attukal Pongala 2025: Key dates and rituals

Attukal Pongala 2025 spans from March 5 to March 15, with the main celebrations taking place on March 13. This year, the festival includes a series of rituals and prayers that devotees believe will bring them prosperity and divine blessings.

March 13:

  • Aduppuvettu (Lighting of the Hearth) – 10:15 am
  • Pongala Nivedyam (Offering of the Pongala) – 1:15 pm
  • Purathezhunnalethu Rituals (Procession of Goddess Attukal) – 11:15 pm

March 14:

  • Kappazhikkal Ritual – 10:00 pm

March 15:

  • Kuruthi Tharpanam Ritual – 1:00 am

On the main day, millions of women gather at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple and surrounding areas to prepare the traditional offering of Pongala in earthen pots. The offering is made by cooking a mixture of rice, jaggery, coconut, and other ingredients over open flames. This ritual is a deep expression of devotion and gratitude to the goddess, and it serves as a way for women to seek blessings and express their faith.

Empowering women and honouring devotion

Attukal Pongala is unique for its focus on women's empowerment. The entire festival is exclusively celebrated by women, who come together to partake in sacred rituals. In 2009, the festival was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest annual gathering of women, a testament to its massive scale and its role in promoting women's unity and strength.

The festival, held annually during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March), has grown in significance over the years. It is not only a religious celebration but also a collective demonstration of women's solidarity, devotion, and empowerment.