Attukal Pongala: A Celebration of Harmony and Inclusivity

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We have a 10-day festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram in the Indian state of Kerala. From the first day onwards, most ladies will be fasting. They prefer to eat vegetarian food during this period. 

  • On the ninth day, there is a gathering of millions of women in the temple surroundings. This gathering is for preparing Pongala.
  •  Pongala preparation and offering it to Attukalamma is dependent on devotion. 
They prepare a divine food made of rice, jaggery, ghee, coconut, banana, cardamom, and raisins in earthen pots and offer it to the Attukal Amma (Goddess of the Temple). After the ritual called 'Aduppuvettu' at the temple, the Pongala preparation begins. It is the lighting of the pongala hearth (called Pandarayaduppu) placed inside the temple by the chief priest. This is the earliest Pongala festival in Kerala [1].


Attukal Temple

Rituals

After the Aduppuvettu of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, women light the ritual fires to prepare the sweet customary pongala on prefixed auspicious time in earthen pots. The entire temple area, gates of all houses, and its roads are open for women to prepare the customary rice on small hearths in neat rows, which is an eye-catching sight, and sweet smells emanate the air, spiritually strengthening people's homes. 

  • The ceremony is on the auspicious day of the Pooram star, which coincides with the full moon or Purnima. 
  • All these rituals occur amidst the beautiful musical rendering of the Goddess (Kannaki Charitam) during the Kappukettu ceremony. The festival will end with the kappazhikkal ritual on the next day and kuruthitharpanam.

 

View of the temple during the festival

The Lore

 

The lore is that after the destruction of Madurai, the central character of Chilapathikaram, Kannaki reached Attukal on her way to Kodogallur. 

  • When she reached Attukal, ladies welcomed her by offering pongala. 
  • That tradition follows every year.
  • The significance is the victory of good over evil. 
The ceremony is concluded in the evening by an aerial showering of flowers and sprinkling of holy waters by the temple priests to honor the most benevolent goddess, the Bhadrakali.

This year, the Attukal Pongala was on February 25, 2024. The Attukal Pongala event started at 10:30 AM and ended at 2:30 PM with the traditional Nivedyam. 

 

 

Ready to prepare pongala

Do you know the significance of this temple?

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu religious shrine at Attukal in Kerala, India. The main deity in this temple is Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki). Bhadrakali, who killed the demon king Daruka, is believed to be born from the third eye of lord Shiva. 

  • Bhadrakali is the goddess of prosperity and salvation. 
  • Attukal devi lives in our mind as the supreme mother (Attukalamma), the goddess of power and courage. 
Kannaki, the other name given to her, is the heroine of Ilanko Adikal's Chilapathikaaram. The temple is renowned for the annual Attukal Pongal festival. [2]

 

Paduka for Attukalamma

Location:

Attukal Temple is near the city, 2 kilometers from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.

Firm Belief

The most significant aspect of this festival is the firm belief among devotees that offering Pongala to the goddess Attukalamma will fulfill their wishes. They believe that the goddess is benevolent and grants the heartfelt desires of her devotees.

Devotees from all walks of life believe they can fulfill their wishes by offering pongala. The goddess provides prosperity and attains salvation. Attukal devi is Lekshmi, Saraswati, and Parvathy, all together. 

Earthen pot to prepare pongala 

In 3 forms such as:

  • Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, arts, and language.
  • Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, auspiciousness, and power.
  • Mahakali/ Parvathy is the goddess of marriage, time, and death.

 

Cleaned raw is used for cooking

Many Wishes

Women from different walks of life participate in Attukal Pongala with wishes in their hearts. 

  • These wishes range from personal aspirations to family well-being and societal blessings. 
  • The diversity of wishes reflects the intimate connection devotees feel with the goddess and the power they believe she holds to transform their lives.

 

The ritual begins with prayer

Praying

On the day of Attukal Pongala, women gather in large numbers with their pots, ingredients, and stoves to prepare the Pongala. 

  • The process involves a deep sense of devotion, with each step undertaken as a form of prayer. 
  • The rhythmic sounds of stirring pots and chanting hymns create a peaceful and spiritual ambiance, elevating the cooking into a sacred ritual.
Pongala is being cooked

Fulfilling of Wishes

As the Pongala cooks, devotees pray fervently for their wishes to Attukalamma. 

  • The air is filled with positive energy and a sense of collective faith as each woman nurtures her pot of Pongala with love and devotion. 
  • It is a belief that the goddess descends to bless the offerings, infusing them with divine power to fulfill wishes.

Items for pongala
 

A Large Gathering of Women

Attukal Pongala holds the distinction of being the largest gathering of women for religious activity in the world. The sheer magnitude of devotees who are part of this festival is a testament to the deep-rooted faith and cultural significance it holds in the hearts of Keralites. The sense of unity and sisterhood that permeates the event enhances the spiritual experience for all involved.

 

Guinness Book World Records

  • In 2009, Attukal Pongala found a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest gathering of women for a religious activity. 
  • This recognition brought global attention to the festival and highlighted its cultural importance. 
  • The record serves as a testament to the enduring tradition of Attukal Pongala and its profound impact on the lives of devotees.

The festival is the largest annual gathering of women by the Guinness World Records. The ceremony was in the Guinness Book of World Records on February 23, 1997, when 1.5 million women participated in Pongala. [3] In 2009, a new Guinness World Record celebrated 2.5 million attendances. [4] The Attukal Pongala continues to draw millions of women with each passing year. 

This temple is also known as the Sabarimala for Women. [5]

  •  Attukal Pongala is not just a festival; it is a symbol of faith, unity, and the unwavering belief in the power of divine blessings. 
  • Preparing Pongala is not merely cooking but a form of worship that transcends culinary boundaries and touches the soul.

 

Row of hearths

All Roads and Doors Are Open for This Festival

Attukal Pongala, a unique festival in Kerala, India, is a mark of distinction of being an inclusive celebration where all roads and doors are open for devotees. Regardless of religion or beliefs, anyone can participate in this grand event. 

  • The festival showcases the beautiful message of unity and acceptance, breaking down barriers and welcoming everyone with open arms.
  • The significance of this openness lies in the fact that it symbolizes the spirit of inclusivity and togetherness that transcends religious boundaries.

By inviting people of all faiths to participate in the Pongala ritual, Attukal Pongala promotes a sense of unity and harmony among diverse communities.

Waiting for Nivedyam. 

All Are Equal, No Religious Constraints Anyone Can Offer Pongala

There are no distinctions or barriers based on one's religious beliefs. The festival upholds the principle that all individuals are equal in the eyes of the divine and deserve the opportunity to offer Pongala to the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy.

  • This egalitarian approach at Attukal Pongala is a powerful reminder of the importance of equality and inclusivity in a world often divided by religion and differences.
  • The equal participation of people from different walks of life reinforces the idea that spiritual practices can bring individuals together, regardless of their backgrounds.

The Best Example of the Harmony of Different Religions

Attukal Pongala is a shining example of the harmonious coexistence of different religions and beliefs. The festival encourages unity among diverse communities and showcases the rich tapestry of traditions and customs that make Attukal a culturally vibrant place.

  • The coming together of people from various religious backgrounds to participate in Attukal Pongala highlights the shared values of peace, love, and respect that transcend religious divides.
  • This celebration of diversity and harmony is a beacon of hope in today's world, where religious intolerance and conflict are too common.

After Nivedyam. 

Devotees From Other Countries Also Participate

One of the most remarkable aspects of Attukal Pongala is the presence of devotees from other countries who travel to Kerala to participate in this auspicious event. The increasing international participation in Attukal Pongala adds to the festival's global appeal and underscores its significance as a unifying force. 

  • This spirit of unity transcends the borders of the country.
  • The participation of international devotees adds a new dimension to Attukal Pongala, reinforcing its message of inclusivity and unity on a global scale.

How about joining hands in creating a world where a celebration of diversity and an embrace of differences?

Attukal Pongala is not just a festival; it is a testament to the power of unity, inclusivity, and harmony. When we witness people from different walks of life coming together to celebrate this auspicious occasion, it is a real inspiration by the spirit of togetherness that defines Attukal Pongala. 

  • Let us strive to emulate the values of acceptance, equality, and peace at the heart of this festival. 
  • By embracing the ethos of Attukal Pongala, we can pave the way for a brighter, more harmonious future for all.
  •  Let the spirit of this festival guide us in our journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.

 

Pongala is a tradition of cooperation and understanding. I understand it as a crossroads where differences in culture, religion, and conviction coexist with friendship, civility, hospitality, and especially love.

My experience:

 I have been participating in the Pongala festival for the past 20 years.

  •  This festival is a beautiful way to bring people together and work towards a common goal. 
  • It is a crossroad where people from different cultures, religions, and beliefs can come together in friendship, civility, and love. 
  • The Pongala festival is a tradition in Kerala, and it is known for its spirit of generosity and community.

Due to the pandemic, I have been preparing the Pongala at home. I clean the courtyard and light the hearth only at the time mentioned for the ritual. After preparing the Pongala, I wait patiently until the time of nivedyam, which is usually in the afternoon. Before taking the Pongala inside the house, I sprinkle water on it with a small holy basil branch.

No matter what the challenges are, we have always carried the Pongala dream forward.

  •  It is the duty of any active citizen living on this earth to work towards a common goal and be a good human being. 
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."

Hope:

The world today is torn by division and fixed on its differences. Trust falls, and anger rises. More than any problem in arts, science, engineering, and medicine, getting along with those differences and divisions is our supreme challenge. If we can solve this problem, we can solve all other problems. 
  • Grounded in deep moral values like this, we can solve the world's biggest problem. 
  • We hope to build a world to live our children peacefully.
  • We must do what we can.
  •  It may be a spark that leads or ends up with a fire. 
  • If each person thinks this way, his house becomes a home where caring and loving have prime importance. 
  • If each house in a location becomes a home like this, that location will become a model for other places in the state. 
  • If transformation happens to all locations, our state becomes God's own country, by all means.
 True to its existing label. It is the hope of all good human beings.

You may be thinking, how can we clean all this mess after pongala?

 Due to the strict enforcement of green protocol, plastic waste is considerably less. The cleaning process is also a hand-in-hand process of corporation workers and volunteers of different organizations. 

Cleaning after pongala

  • Another humanitarian aspect indirectly involved in the event is the use of waste to help poor people. 
  • The bricks left behind by the devotees will be used for the corporation's housing schemes for needy people, as was done in previous years.
  •  In the festival season, all are bound together for the service of others. That is incredibly impressive, a powerful testament to this festival. 
  • The younger generation must carry this tradition forward to make it a way of life.

References:

 

1.     Wikipedia

2.    "Ponkala makes it to Guinness". The Hindu. 15 March 2012.

3.    ^ "Largest gathering of women". Guinness World Records. Guinness World Records.

4.    ^ Ponmelil, V. A. "Temples of Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram Attukal Temple". newkerala.com.

5   "Attukal Pongala, the festival at Attukal Bhagavathi temple".

 


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