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Lakhs Gather for Attukal Pongala 2026; Mayor Assures Smooth Festival Arrangements

The grand celebrations of Attukal Pongala 2026 have commenced in Thiruvananthapuram with lakhs of devotees thronging the city. Mayor V V Rajesh assured that all necessary arrangements, including water supply via 52 tankers and transport by KSRTC, are fully in place for the smooth conduct of the festival. The Attukal Pongala is a 10-day festival where millions of women prepare a sacred offering for Goddess Attukal Devi. The festival, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of women, expects over 40 lakh participants this year.

Key Points: Attukal Pongala 2026: Mayor Assures Smooth Arrangements for Devotees

  • Mayor assures all essential facilities are ready
  • 52 water tankers deployed across wards
  • KSRTC has arranged adequate transport
  • Festival is a 10-day event culminating in Pongala
  • Over 40 lakh devotees expected this year
2 min read

Lakhs of devotees gather for Attukal Pongala; Thiruvananthapuram Mayor assures smooth arrangements

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor assures all arrangements are in place as lakhs of devotees gather for the Attukal Pongala festival, a record-holding women's ritual.

"I am very happy to say that all the arrangements have been made, and lakhs of pilgrims have arrived in Trivandrum. - V V Rajesh"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 3

As the grand celebrations of Attukal Pongala 2026 commenced, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh on Tuesday assured that all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the festival, as lakhs of devotees thronged the city.

He further stated that there were no issues regarding essential facilities and that the authorities were fully prepared to address any additional requirements.

Speaking to ANI, "I am very happy to say that all the arrangements have been made, and lakhs of pilgrims have arrived in Trivandrum. They are very happy, and within a few minutes, everything will be settled... Now, there is no problem. We have placed 52 tankers in all wards, with one tanker for each ward, and 8 tankers full of water have been deployed around the Attukal Temple. Any further demands will be addressed as needed..."

On the transportation front, Mayor Rajesh said that the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) had arranged adequate vehicles to facilitate the movement of devotees.

"The KSRTC has already deployed vehicles for the convenience of the people. There is no problem; everything is in place," he added.

The Attukal Pongala is a 10-day festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, with the ninth day witnessing a massive gathering of women devotees.

Millions of women prepare divine offerings made of rice, jaggery, and banana in earthen pots and offer them to the Goddess Attukal Devi.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, which is known as "women's Sabarimala", is famous for its Pongala festival. Women in huge numbers throng to the temple during the festival.

Earlier in February, Temple Joint Coordinator Vinod stated that elaborate arrangements have been put in place to manage the massive influx of devotees from across India and abroad. He stated that more than 40 lakh devotees are expected to participate in the Pongala ritual this year.

As part of the ritual dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, women devotees will prepare the sacred offering in earthen pots in makeshift brick hearths set up across the temple premises and surrounding areas.

The festival holds a special place in world records, having been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2009 for the largest gathering of women, with 2.5 million participants.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the preparations sound good on paper, I hope the ground reality matches up. Lakhs of people in one area always puts a strain on local infrastructure. The proof will be in the actual experience of the devotees today and tomorrow.
S
Sarah B
As someone visiting from abroad for this, the scale is absolutely mind-blowing. The organization for an event of this size is no small feat. The cultural significance and the record-breaking participation are truly remarkable.
V
Vikram M
My mother and aunts have been attending for years. It's more than a festival; it's a powerful tradition that connects generations of women. Good to hear about the 52 water tankers. That's a critical need in the heat. Hope everyone has a safe and blessed Pongala.
A
Ananya R
The 'women's Sabarimala' tag is so apt. The energy and devotion are palpable. It's a festival that truly empowers and celebrates womanhood in its own spiritual way. Wishing all the devi's a wonderful and fulfilling ritual.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I hope the authorities are also prepared for the massive waste management challenge after the festival. Millions of earthen pots and hearths leave a significant footprint. Cleanliness is next to godliness too.
M
Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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