In a notable event for devotees, more than 4 million women are expected to participate in the renowned Attukal Pongala ceremony at the Attukal Bhagavathy Amman Temple on March 3. Festival committee representatives have confirmed that preparations are advancing for one of the largest female gatherings globally.

Officials revealed that the temple, often referred to as the “Women’s Sabarimala,” is fully prepared for its annual Masi grand festival, which will take place from February 23 to March 4. Vinod, the Joint Coordinator of the temple, stated that extensive arrangements have been made to handle the significant number of visitors expected from various parts of India and beyond.

Details of the Pongala Ritual

The Pongala ceremony, the main attraction of the 10-day festival, will commence at approximately 9:45 AM on March 3 with the ceremonial lighting of ‘Pandara Aduppu,’ which is the sacred hearth. Women performers will create offerings in earthen pots on makeshift brick hearths situated throughout the temple premises and in the nearby areas as part of the ritual honoring Goddess Bhagavathy.

Logistical and Safety Measures in Place

Officials have emphasized that extensive measures are being implemented to ensure the smooth execution of the event. These include protocols for crowd management, enhanced security, sanitation provisions, and medical support. Additionally, special train and bus services will be available to assist the transport of attendees to Thiruvananthapuram for the ceremony.

Impact of Lunar Eclipse on Temple Operations

It is noteworthy that a lunar eclipse will occur on the same day as the Pongala festival, specifically between 3:10 PM and 7:00 PM. As a result, the temple will close during this period, and devotees are advised to complete their darshan before 3:10 PM, as the doors will be shut to honor the celestial event.

Anticipation Builds for the Celebrated Event

Earlier, members of the festival committee provided updates to the media in Nagercoil regarding the extensive planning and arrangements for the event. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, celebrated for its Pongala festival, attracts large crowds of women who gather to offer various dishes to the goddess. During the offering process, devotees utilize earthen pots and logs made from coconut trees for the fire, further enriching the tradition.

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