Photo by Anushtup De on Unsplash
Location
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Duration
10 days
Frequency
Annual
Language
Malayalam, English
Upcoming confirmed & estimated dates
No upcoming dates listed yet.
Attukal Pongala is a 10-day religious festival culminating in the massive Pongala offering on the ninth day, celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Dedicated to Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy, an incarnation of Kannaki, this event holds the Guinness World Record for the largest annual gathering of women for a religious activity. Millions of women from across Kerala and beyond gather in the streets surrounding the temple to prepare a sweet offering in earthen pots. This festival is often referred to as 'Sabarimala for Women' due to its exclusive participation by female devotees. It is a profound display of collective devotion and is ideal for pilgrims and cultural enthusiasts seeking to witness a unique and large-scale spiritual observance. The tradition is rooted in the legend of Kannaki, who was offered food by local women at Attukal after a journey.
What to experience at this festival
Travel Tips
Book accommodation in Thiruvananthapuram well in advance, preferably 3-6 months prior, as hotels and guesthouses experience extremely high demand and significant price surges during the festival period. Consider homestays further from the temple for more availability.
The festival takes place during February or March in Kerala, when temperatures can be high. Carry sufficient water, stay hydrated, and wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and respectful of religious customs.
Utilize special bus and train services arranged by Indian Railways and KSRTC for seamless travel to and from Thiruvananthapuram during the festival. These services often have additional stops and routes to manage the large influx of devotees.
Restrictions
The Attukal Pongala ritual is exclusively for women, though men can visit the temple area at other times. On Pongala day, men's access is restricted to security personnel, temple authorities, and priests in the immediate vicinity of the cooking areas.
Due to the massive crowd of millions of participants, significant traffic and parking restrictions are imposed across Thiruvananthapuram, especially within a 7-15 km radius of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple on the main Pongala day. Plan your arrival and departure with public transport or pre-arranged taxis from outside the restricted zone.
