THOUSANDS OFFER PONGALA(2010)

THOUSANDS OFFER PONGALA(2010)

Tens of thousands of women offered pongala at the Attukal Bhagavathy temple on Sunday 28th February 2010, making the climate of the annual festival. The Attukal Pongala, recognized by the Guinness Book of world Records as the largest congregation of women in the world.. Thousands of women devotees spread across 22 municipal wards in the city lit the small hearths they had sept up on road sides and in houses to cook rise and jaggery which is offered to the presiding deity of ancient temple.
The flame from the sacred hearth inside the temple precincts was passed on quickly to several directions. By evening hundreds of priests fanned out across the city to consecrate the devotee's pongala by sprinkling holy water on the offering.
The annual pongala festival at the Attukal Bhagavathy temple billed as the largest congregation of women in the world, has always fascinated foreigners. Mrs Cary, professor of economics in Cornell university said that “ It is fascinating of this type so far” we have heard about the festival from friends and we wanted to witness it with our naked eyes. It is an atmosphere of good will. It is heartening to see women coming together and offering the rituals and men extending all support to them” Pongala as lively festival. It's very rare to see festival just for women. I have never seen such a festival and there is nothing to compare”
Marga wrobel from Germany said” I think it is a very sweet legend you have behind pongala, about calming an angry goddess by offering her sweet meal. It is really amazing. I mean so many women coming together to offer a meal for goddess is something very unique. I think this is amazing and spiritual at the same time. The women here are very determined and empowered. There is also a sense of togetherness” It was an unforgettable experience.
Residents association, voluntary agencies,political outfits and social and cultural organizations view with one another to give free food and drinks to the thousands of devotes who offered pongala to the presiding deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy temple. Many households and organizations donated rice, vegetables and other materials to prepare food for the devotees. Some commercial establishments contributed gas cylinders and vessels. Sri K.J Yesudas play back singer, inaugurated the Annadanam at the Attukal temple.

Prof John Kurakar