Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam 2026 – World’s Largest Women’s Festival

Festival Overview

• Duration: 10 days (February–March every year, Malayalam months Makaram–Kumbham).
• Location: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Presiding Deity: Goddess Attukal Amma, revered as an incarnation of Kannaki (Parvati).
• Global Recognition: Entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest annual gathering of women in the world on a single day.

Rituals & Key Ceremonies

• Day 1 (Feb 23, 2026): Kappu Kettu & Kudiyiruthu (5:30 PM) – bangles tied to the idol, marking the start.
• Day 3 (Feb 25, 2026): Kuthiyottam Ceremony (8:45 AM) – boys begin their vratham (penance).
• Day 9 (Mar 03, 2026):
• Lighting of Pongala Hearths (9:45 AM).
• Sanctification of Pongala (2:15 PM).
• Chooralkuthu Ceremony (8:30 PM).
• Procession of Goddess Attukal Amma (10:45 PM).
• Day 10 (Mar 04, 2026):
• Kappu Azhippu & Kudiyilakkal (9:45 AM).
• Kuruthi Tharppanam (12:45 AM) – concluding ritual.

Significance

• Pongala Offering:
• “Pongala” means to boil over.
• Devotees prepare rice porridge with jaggery, coconut, nuts, and raisins in earthen pots.
• Offered to Attukal Amma as a symbol of devotion and prosperity.
• Women-Only Ritual:
• Only women are allowed to participate.
• Thousands gather at the temple and along the streets to prepare Pongala.
• Participation transcends caste, creed, and religion.
• Spiritual Belief:
• Offering Pongala is believed to bring blessings of health, prosperity, and protection from hardships.
• Attukal Amma is seen as the Supreme Mother, granting strength and fulfillment of wishes.

Getting Here

• By Air:
• Nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (about 8 km from Attukal Temple).
• Well connected to major Indian cities and international destinations.
• By Train:
• Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest major hub (3 km from temple).
• For Pongala day (March 3, 2026), special trains and extra stops are arranged, with additional ticket counters and platform allocations to manage crowds .
• By Road:
• KSRTC buses and private vehicles connect the temple to all parts of Kerala.
• Roads around the temple are closed or restricted on Pongala day, so devotees often walk from designated drop-off points.

Tips for Devotees

• Arrive Early:
• Women devotees begin assembling the night before Pongala. Arriving early ensures a good spot for setting up hearths.
• Carry Essentials:
• Earthen pot, firewood, rice, jaggery, coconut, nuts, raisins, and water for Pongala preparation.
• A mat or cloth to sit on, as devotees line the streets.
• Dress Code:
• Simple, traditional attire is preferred. Cotton sarees or salwar kameez are common.
• Safety & Comfort:
• Stay hydrated and carry light snacks.
• Use public transport instead of private vehicles to avoid traffic congestion.
• Follow instructions from police and volunteers for crowd management.
• Spiritual Preparation:
• Many devotees observe fasting or vratham before Pongala.
• Offer prayers at the temple before and after preparing Pongala.

Crowd Management

• Scale of Gathering: Millions of women participate, making it the largest women’s gathering in the world .
• Arrangements:
• Police, volunteers, and temple authorities manage queues and safety.
• Medical aid stations and water distribution points are set up.
• Tip: Elderly devotees or first-timers should avoid peak hours and consider joining from nearby streets rather than the temple core area.