Attukal Pongala is a women’s only festival celebrated in the ancient Bhagavathy temple at Attukal in Thiruvananthapuram district. The ten-day-long temple festival is in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March). Ninth day is the most important day of the festival when the famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place
Pongala Festival 2011
Attukal Devi Temple Thiruvananthapuram is all set to conduct the annual Attukal Pongala 2011 festival from 11th February 2011 to 20th February 2011, with much religious importance. Attukal Ponkala is a major Hindu festival celebrated every year at the Attukal Temple, dedicated to Goddess Bhagavaty. The festival entered the Gunnies Book of World Records in 1997 for being the largest women gathering in the world. Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam is a 10 days Kerala temple festival which falls on the Bharani Nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Makaram and Pongala is held on the Pooram nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Kumbham.
11th February 2011, Friday (28th Makaram 1186 – Malayalam month)
The Attukal Pongala Festival will being at 10 AM in the morning with Kappuketti Kudiyiruthal. The "Kappukettu ceremony" is a ritual which marks the beginning of festival - the festival commences with the musical rendering of Kannaki Charitam – which describes the story of Goddess Parvati Devi. Special pujas will be held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple to mark the first day of the festival.
13th February 2011, Sunday (1st Kumbha 1186 – Malayalam month)
Kuthiyottam Vrata beings at 8.30 AM. Kuthiyottam is a main ritual conducted at Attukal Devi Temple. This ritual is performed by young boys between the ages of 8 to 14. 19th February 2011, Saturday (7th Kumbham 1186)
