Synopsis
On March 13, millions of women convened in Thiruvananthapuram for the renowned Attukal Pongala festival, recognized by Guinness for its unprecedented assembly of women in a religious offering. The festival highlights unity among faiths and culminates in a vibrant celebration of devotion.Key Takeaways
- Inclusive participation from women of various faiths.
- Recognized by Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious event.
- Attukal Bhagavathi Temple is the focal point of the festival.
- Local traditions and folklore enrich the festival's significance.
- Support for local communities and services during the event.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 13 (NationPress) The capital city of Kerala was shrouded in smoke on Thursday as millions of women converged to partake in the celebrated Attukal Pongala festival.
A distinctive feature of this festival is the involvement of women from all faiths, showcasing its inclusive spirit. Acknowledged by the Guinness World Records for hosting the largest assembly of women for a religious offering within a single day, the festival continues to gain traction.
The Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, located in the city center, is dedicated to Attukal Bhagavathi -- believed to be an avatar of Kannaki, the pivotal figure in the Tamil epic Silappadikaram. The Pongala ritual takes place on the second-to-last day of the temple's extensive 10-day festival.
The most sought-after area for cooking is within the temple grounds, with slots booked three to four days in advance.
According to local custom, the next most esteemed location is along the roads leading to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which captured worldwide attention after the discovery of treasure valued at over Rs 1 lakh crore.
Unofficial estimates indicate that close to one million women participated, spreading across a 12 square km area surrounding the temple.
The rituals commenced around 9:45 a.m. when the temple's chief priest ignited a makeshift stove using flames from the sanctum. This sacred fire was then shared with participants, who prepared their offerings with rice, jaggery, and coconut.
Women joining the festival don new attire, and all cooking implements and bricks used for the hearth are also freshly sourced.
Popular actress Chippy Renjith, a devoted participant for over thirty years, expressed her faith in the deity, stating, "This Devi possesses incredible powers, and I am a loyal follower of this temple."
According to folklore, Kannaki razed the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu after her husband was unjustly sentenced to death. She later journeyed to Kerala and rested at Attukal, where women are believed to have cooked Pongala to honor her.
The festival wrapped up around 1:15 p.m. when the chief priest, supported by other authorized priests, sprinkled holy water on the offerings. Following a brief prayer, the women gathered their belongings and headed home.
Throughout the day, local clubs, organizations, and taxi drivers provided complimentary meals, including breakfast, vegetarian lunch, juice, tea, and snacks for the devotees.
To ensure the festival proceeded smoothly, the state government declared a public holiday in the capital district. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and Indian Railways made special transport arrangements to accommodate the surge of pilgrims.
Amid the festivities, protesting Asha workers, who have been striking for over a month for better wages and the clearance of arrears, also participated by preparing their offerings.
"We trust that the Devi will work wonders and our protests will bring about results. This is not merely a protest but an offering to the goddess," stated a group of Asha workers gathered outside the State Secretariat.
Minister of State for Tourism and the sole BJP MP from Kerala, Suresh Gopi, visited the protest site to show his support for the Asha workers.
