Welcome to the largest annual gathering of women in the world.
Date: 2 March, 2018
Venue: Attukal Bhagavathi Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
‘Attukal Ponkala‘ is an important festival celebrated in Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala state . This 10 days festival usually falls on February to March every year, in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. Attukal temple is also known as “Sthreekalude Sabarimala” in regional language. The festival begins with “Kappukettu , Kudiyiruthu ceremony. Because of the largest participation of women, the festival has recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records. Ponkala offering is the main ritual of this renowned temple festival. Pongala nivedhyam is a pudding made from rice, jaggery, coconut , plantains, nuts and raisins cooked together in Mud pot. The Attukal Pongala festival ends with the Kuruthitharpanam at 10th day makam night. It is believed that Attukal Amma is an avatar of the Kannaki. Devotees believe that Goddess Attukal devi will fulfill their wishes and provide prosperity.
How to reach there
Air : The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is about 6 km from Thiruvananthapuram city and about 7 km distance from the temple.
Rail : Thiruvananthapuram central station is the nearest Railway station and is about 2 Kilometer from the temple.
Road : Thampanoor is the main bus station in Thiruvananthapuram, which is about 2 km from the temple. Also located just opposite to the railway station. You will get frequent buses fro East fort bus stand in Thiruvananthapuram.
The other festivals celebrated in this temple are:
Mandala Vratham – the Festival celebrated in connection with the annual Utsavam of the famous Sabarimala sreedharma sastha temple.
Vinayaka Chathurthi – Festival related to the Lord Ganesha
Pooja Vaypu – Mahanavami, Saraswathy Pooja and Vidyarambham
Sivarathri – Festival related to Lord Shiva
Karthika – Karthika Deepam
Ayilya Pooja – Pooja offered to serpent Gods
Aiswarya Pooja – Pooja related to full moon /Pournami days
Karkidaka Masa acharanam, Ramayana Parayanam – celebrated During the month of Karkadakam
Akhandanama nama Japam – held in the 4th Sunday of every month
