|
|
The
Aattukal Bhagavathi Temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathi is situated
in Thiruvananthapuram city.
Pongala, an exclusive festival for women, falling in February/ March, is
the speciality of this temple.
The name 'Pongala' means 'to boil over' and refers to the ritualistic
offering of porridge made of rice, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings,
nuts and raisins.
Only women devotees are allowed to participate in this ritual. Right from
the previous night, thousands of women devotees start assembling in the
temple premises and on either sides of the roads leading to the shrine.