Attukal Pongala on March 3: Mohanlal to inaugurate the cultural fest

Kerala's iconic Attukal Pongala temple festival, which is the largest gathering of women for such an event, is on March 3 this year. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will inaugurate the cultural fest along with the temple fest on February 23 at 8 pm. The temple trust would present its Amba award to the screen icon at this event. The grand cultural fest kicks off with a concert by the viral Nandagovindam Bhajans at 10 pm. The temple fest also begins on the same day. The Kuthiyottam ritual as part of the pongala festivities will begin on February 25 at 8.45 am. 

Timings of other major events
The temple festivities begin on February 23 with the Kappuketti Kudiyiruthal ritual at 5.30 pm. The aduppuvettu ritual starts at 9.45 am followed by the pongala nivedyam at 2.15 pm. The recital of the verses of Kannaki from Chilapathikaram would be held at the Pachapandal in front of the temple, on the same day. 
February 24
6 pm - Classical concert led by Dr K Krishnakumar and Binny Krishnakumar 
8 pm - Violin concert by CS Anuroop and Parvathy 
10 pm - Ganamela by Manakkad Gopan and Chithra Arun 

February 25
8.45 am - Offering for the kuthiyottam ritual
8 pm - Harish Shivaramakrishnan’s concert 
10 pm - Folk songs by Chalakkudy Praseeda at 10 pm
February 26
6.30 pm - Eloor Biju’s Sopana Sangeetham 
8 pm - Ganamela 

February 27
6 pm - Concert by Shankaran Namboothiri 
8 pm - Ganamela led by Unni Menon
11 pm - Classical dance recital by Dr Neena Prasad 
February 28
8 pm - Arya Dayal’s music band's fusion music concert 

March 1
7 pm - Veena, flute and violin fusion music performances by 
Rajesh Vaidya, Rajesh Cherthala and Vedamithra 
March 2
10 pm - Bharatanatyam and classical dance performances have been scheduled 
Pongala rituals
March 3
Morning - Shudhapunyaham ritual at morning on March 3. 
8.30 pm - Kuthiyottam
10.45 pm - Purathezhunnelathu

March 4
8 am - Akathezhunnalethu
9.45 pm - Kappazhikkal
12.45 am - Kuruthi Tharpanam
Note: Recital of the epics and various temple art forms would be conducted at the Amba and Ambalika stages on the festival days. Besides, there would be annadhanam (sacred offering of food to devotees) at noon on all days.