Attukal Bhagavathi

Attukal Ponkaala is a festival celebrated mainly by women in the state of Kerala. It is held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and is known as the 'Women's Sabarimala'. The festival is celebrated in the month of Kumbham (March-April) on the Pournami day (full moon day). The festival is believed to have originated in the 17th century.

Legend behind Attukal Ponkaala Ritual:

Goddess Kannagi is worshipped at Attukal temple who is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati (Consort of Lord Shiva). She is the main character of Silappathikaram - the Epic of the Anklet, which is a popular Tamil poem. Legend has it that once Kovalan (Kannagi's husband) was sentenced to death in an unjust manner by the ruler of Madurai. Kovalan was accused of stealing the Queen's anklet. But Kannagi comes to court and proves her husband's innocence. But, in anger, she sets the whole city of Madurai on fire. She then leaves the city and while she was on her way to Kodungalloor shrine, she stops at Attukal. It is believed that residents, especially women and children of Attukal welcomed her and cooked her a porridge. Due to the love and affection that she received, her anger vanished and therefore, she was able to see her kind and emotional side. Since then, to commemorate that day, women cook porridge for her every year.

 
On this day, over a million women assemble in Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala, for cooking rice with jaggery and coconut for Attukal Amma, offering it to the Goddess and seeking Her blessings, who is the incarnation of Kannagi. This festival is not just a mere temple ritual, it is the celebration of womanhood and shakti (power), who is the creator of the universe. She presents herself in different forms- as a girl, mother, lover, sister, wife and also the power that can protect everything

During the festival, women come together to share their stories, celebrate, and form bonds of sisterhood. The festival is also an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of their community and the importance of women in society. Attukal Ponkaala is a unique festival that celebrates the power of women and their faith in the divine.

The ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the devotees. The entire Thiruvananthapuram city lights up in festive fervor and the number of devotees has increased to the point that it has been recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records.

What to Expect on the day of:

Program Details 9:00 AM Ponkaala starts by Lighting the lamps by the Priest   * Pre-registration is required on or before February 28th, 2025, to procure items needed for Attukal Ponkaala. Registration/Ponkaala Sponsorship fee $108.00 and Call the contact on the attached flyer. Temple will provide all necessary ingredients, earthen pots and small stove. ** Devotees please bring flowers and fruits. *  $108 per clay pot. Only women can participate in making Ponkaala. All materials including clay pot and stove are provided for one-time use. After the completion of Ponkaala and after all rituals are performed by the Priest, the women participants can take only their clay pot with Ponkaala Neivadyam home as Prasadam. * All women with their family are invited.