Attukal Pongala 2027 to be held from February 14 onwards

The next edition of the iconic Kerala temple festival Attukal Pongala will be held from February 14 to 23, 2027. The Pongala nivedyam ritual is on February 22. Secretary noted that the preparations for next year’s Pongala festivities have already begun by the temple trust. 

Key rituals
Kappu ketti kudiyiruthal (first day of festival) – February 14, 11.40 am
Kuthiyotta vrutharambam (third day) – February 16, 8.50 am
Aduppuvettu pongala (ninth day) – February 22, 10 am
Pongala Nivedyam – February 22, 2.20 pm

Chooralkuthu for Kuthiyottam kids – February 22, 7,30 pm
Purathezhunnallathu of Devi – February 22, 11.30 pm
Kappu azhichu kudiyilakkunathu (10th day) – February 23, 9.45 pm
Guruthi tharpanam – February 23, 12.45 am

What is Attukal Pongala?
Attukal Pongala is centred on preparing sweet offerings for the goddess Attukal Bhagavathy. Rice, jaggery, coconut and banana form the core of most offerings. Sharkkara pongala, made with jaggery, coconut and cardamom, is offered for prosperity. Vella pongala or pongala payasam, prepared with raw rice, milk, banana and rock sugar, is often made as a nercha offering in gratitude for a fulfilled wish. Vellachoru, a simple white porridge with rice, coconut and banana, is another common preparation. 

The Pongala festival is held on the Pooram day in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, under the sharp March sun. Pilgrims in traditional Kerala attire stir rice and jaggery in earthen pots to make porridge, as smoke rises from thousands of fires lit at the same moment. Devotees do not have any food on the day until the pongala boils over and the offering is complete. Many now gently break their fast with tender coconut water, milk or fruit once the nivedyam is ready, and later partake of the prasadam.