Attukal Pongala is an annual festival that is celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The 10-day festival began on February 27. There are two main events of the Attukal Pongala festival - the ninth day, when the Attukal Pongala offering is made, and the last day of the event, when the sacrificial offering is made (known as Kuruthitharpanam at night). Attukal Pongala Festival 2023 will be marked on March 7 with Attukal Pongala ending with Kuruthitharpanam 2023 on March 8. As we prepare to mark this event with great festivity across Thiruvananthapuram, here is everything you need to know about Attukal Pongala, the Significance of this festival, how to celebrate Attukal Pongala and more. Attukal Pongala 2023 Celebration: Kerala to Celebrate 'Pongala' On March 7; Huge Turnout Expected Post-COVID-19.

When is Attukal Pongala 2023?

Attukal Pongala is a ten-day festival, with its celebration commencing on the Karthigai star of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. Attukal Pongala 2023 began on February 27. However, the most important Attukal Pongala Festival will be celebrated on the ninth day of this observance - which falls on March 7. The festival will finally end on March 8 with Kuruthirharpanam. According to sources, the Pongal ritual at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple will begin at 10.30 am, with the offering being made to Goddess Bhagavathy at 2.30.

Significance of Attukal Pongala

Attukal Pongala witnesses one of the largest gatherings of women at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Every year, on the day of Attukal Pongala, women get together and prepare the delicious and auspicious Pongal as an offering to Goddess Bhagavathy. The Pongal preparation starts with the ritual called 'Aduppuvettu'. This is the lighting of the pongala hearth. This is followed by the women making a sweet delicious preparation of rice and jaggery for the Goddess.

Many people believe that the observance of Attukal Pongala brings good luck and prosperity. It is interesting to note that Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is also known as the Sabrimala for Women by many. We hope that Attukal Pongala Festival 2023 brings with it all the love, light and happiness you deserve.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 07, 2023 10:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).