Kerala: Thousands of devout women take part in Attukal Pongala

Thiruvananthapuram: Thousands of women across Kerala reached the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple to offer Pongala (offering to god made of rice and jaggery) to the deity. Pongala is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. 

Thekkedath Kuzhikkatt Parameswaran Vasudevan Bhattathirippad, the chief thantri of the temple lit the lamp from the shrine and handed it over to chief priest Vishnu Namboodiri. The Pongala fireplace in the shrine was first lit and was handed over to the devotees to light the fireplace set up all over the city. Nivedyam blessing will take place at 2.15 in the afternoon. About 250 priests are appointed in various regions for sanctifying the Nivedyam. 

Meanwhile, 815 children will participate in Kuthiyottam. During the ritual, a small silver wire is pierced on the midriff of the boys.