Kerala is a land where spirituality blends seamlessly with culture, and every festival tells a story of faith, unity, and tradition. Among the state’s many vibrant celebrations, Attukal Pongala in Thiruvananthapuram is extraordinary. Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest annual gathering of women in the world, Attukal Pongala is both a religious ritual and a cultural marvel.
Millions of women come together every year to offer Pongala, a sweet preparation of rice, jaggery, and coconut, to Attukal Devi, the supreme mother goddess. Streets, courtyards, and open spaces transform into sacred kitchens as women, irrespective of caste, class, or religion, participate in this ritual of devotion. For visitors, Attukal Pongala is not just a festival but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With Pickuptrails – the best travel company in Kerala – you can witness the grandeur of this event with guided insights, safe arrangements, and curated cultural tours that bring you closer to the heart of Kerala’s living traditions.
The festival is dedicated to Attukal Bhagavathy, a form of Goddess Kannaki, who symbolizes divine justice, motherhood, and protection. Legend has it that Kannaki, after destroying Madurai to avenge her husband’s death, traveled north and finally rested in Attukal, where she was welcomed by the women of the region. It is believed that the goddess blesses her devotees with prosperity and protection when Pongala is offered in her honor. The act of women cooking together represents purity, devotion, and collective surrender to the goddess.
At the center of the celebration stands the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, often called the “Sabarimala of Women.” This sacred shrine, located in Thiruvananthapuram, is renowned for its traditional Kerala-style architecture and mythological carvings. During Pongala, the temple becomes the source of the sacred fire used to light thousands of hearths across the city. Watching the flame pass from the sanctum to millions of devotees is one of the most moving moments of the festival.
Attukal Pongala usually falls in February or March during the Malayalam month of Kumbham. The celebration spans ten days, with elaborate rituals and cultural programs at the temple, but the ninth day marks the highlight when the city transforms into a massive open-air temple. Women sit in endless rows along the streets, preparing their offerings in earthen pots placed on brick hearths. The sacred fire from the temple is carried outside and used to ignite each pot, filling the air with the aroma of sweet rice, coconut, and jaggery. Devotional songs and chants add to the spiritual atmosphere, creating an overwhelming sense of unity and devotion. Once the priests bless the offerings, the Pongala is shared among family, friends, and strangers, spreading the blessings of the goddess far and wide.
The festival has earned global recognition, with the Guinness World Records acknowledging it as the largest gathering of women in the world for a single religious event. In recent years, nearly three million women have participated, making it a phenomenon that surpasses many global pilgrimages. For a traveler, being part of such a peaceful yet massive gathering is awe-inspiring.
Attukal Pongala is also a powerful cultural statement. Unlike most festivals where rituals are male-dominated, this is one where women take center stage. Men play supporting roles, managing logistics and organizing facilities, while the rituals themselves are entirely performed by women. It is a celebration of devotion, solidarity, and equality, highlighting Kerala’s unique social fabric where faith transcends boundaries of caste, community, and religion.
Experiencing Attukal Pongala for the first time can be overwhelming, given the scale of participation and the way the city comes to a standstill. Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram fill up months in advance, and streets quickly close as women take their places for the ritual. The February–March heat can be intense, making it essential to stay hydrated and comfortable. Photography is generally permitted but must always be done with respect, as the rituals are deeply personal acts of faith. Traveling with a trusted local guide makes all the difference, and this is where Pickuptrails, the best travel company in Kerala, ensures a safe and insightful experience.
Pickuptrails organizes authentic festival tours that allow visitors to understand the meaning of the rituals while also enjoying the city’s cultural attractions. Attending Pongala is often paired with visits to the historic Attukal Temple, the magnificent Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and cultural landmarks like the Napier Museum. Many travelers also combine the festival with leisure at Kovalam Beach or a trip to the scenic Ponmudi Hills, making the journey both spiritual and relaxing.
Travelers can choose from different styles of festival experiences. A short two-day tour focuses exclusively on Pongala and temple visits, while a four-day itinerary combines the festival with heritage sightseeing in Thiruvananthapuram. For those who want a more complete Kerala journey, a week-long festival circuit combines Attukal Pongala with Alleppey’s backwaters, Munnar’s tea plantations, and Kovalam’s beaches, blending culture with natural beauty. Every journey is customizable, ensuring that each traveler gets the most meaningful experience.
Attukal Pongala is not just Kerala’s pride but a global symbol of women’s devotion and power. The sight of millions of women cooking together, the fragrance of offerings filling the city, and the collective spirit of faith make this festival one of the most extraordinary in the world. With Pickuptrails – the best travel company in Kerala – you can experience Attukal Pongala like never before, with seamless travel, cultural guidance, and authentic participation opportunities.
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