The 10-day-long Attukal Pongala festival, in which millions of women take part every year, kicked off on February 17. The government will be making special arrangements this year to address the hot summer and heat-related issues in general during the festival, said Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty. Drinking water and related amenities will be arranged for devotees, alongside the service of doctors, throughout the festival days. The pongala ceremony will be held on February 25.
Doctors, nurses in 2 shifts
From February 17 to 26, doctors, attenders and staff nurses will be available in the temple premises in two shifts, from 7 am to 10 am. The control room number is 9447220462. 30 beds and a special ICU are set up for fire-related accidents. IMA will also deploy a team of doctors and nurses in the temple premises.
Special taps and showers
The Water Authority will install special taps and showers near the temple premises on the pongala day. They will also ensure 24-hour water availability in public taps. The authorities are also trying to ensure 100% Green Protocol during the fest.
The fest on February 25
The pongala festival, held on February 25, will begin with 'aduppukoottu' at 10.30 am. The 'nivedyam' ceremony will be at 3 pm.
