Attukal Pongala 2026: Date, Pooram Nakshathram Timings & Significance
Attukal Pongala is one of the most sacred and largest women-led religious gatherings in the world. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy and is celebrated with immense devotion in Kerala.
In 2026, Attukal Pongala will be observed on:
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Pooram Nakshathram Timings – 2026
- Pooram Nakshathram Begins: 07:31 AM on March 3, 2026
- Pooram Nakshathram Ends: 07:39 AM on March 4, 2026
Since Pooram Nakshathram prevails on March 3, Attukal Pongala will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
What is Attukal Pongala?
Attukal Pongala is celebrated at the famous Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
The festival is unique because:
- Millions of women participate.
- Devotees prepare a sweet offering called Pongala (a mixture of rice, jaggery, and coconut).
- The offering is cooked in earthen pots in open spaces around the temple.
The event holds a place in the Guinness World Records for being one of the largest gatherings of women for a religious activity.
Spiritual Significance
Attukal Pongala is dedicated to Goddess Attukal Amma, believed to be an incarnation of Kannaki (from Tamil epic Silappathikaram).
The offering of Pongala symbolizes:
- Devotion and surrender
- Gratitude for blessings
- Fulfillment of wishes
- Protection of family
Women pray for:
- Family well-being
- Health and prosperity
- Marital harmony
- Success and peace
Rituals of Attukal Pongala
1. Preparation
Women gather early in the morning, set up temporary hearths using bricks, and place earthen pots.
2. Cooking the Pongala
Rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee are cooked as a sacred offering.
3. Temple Ritual
The temple priest lights the ceremonial hearth inside the temple, and the flame is symbolically passed on to devotees.
4. Offering
After the Pongala is prepared, it is offered to the Goddess with prayers and chanting.
Importance of Pooram Nakshathram
The festival is observed when Pooram Nakshathram falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. Pooram star is considered auspicious for divine feminine energy and prosperity.
Attukal Pongala 2026 Summary
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pooram Nakshathram Begins | March 3, 2026 | 07:31 AM |
| Pooram Nakshathram Ends | March 4, 2026 | 07:39 AM |
| Attukal Pongala | March 3, 2026 | Tuesday |
Conclusion
Attukal Pongala 2026 will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3, during the sacred Pooram Nakshathram. It is a powerful symbol of women’s devotion, unity, and faith.
The festival beautifully showcases Kerala’s spiritual culture and the strength of collective prayer.
