Attukal Pongala - Art and Culture Notes
Attukal Pongala is a 10-day religious celebration held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. On the ninth day, there is a massive assembly of millions of women around the temple. These women cook delicious rice cuisine in clay pots and serve it to Attukal Amma (Goddess of the Temple). This article will explain the Attukal Pongala which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
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Attukal Pongala
- The most prominent festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is 'Pongala.' Pongala offering is a unique temple tradition in Kerala's southern region.
- The ten-day festival begins on the Karthika star in the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February - March).
- Ponkala is held on the auspicious day of the Pooram star, which coincides with the full moon.
- The celebration begins with a musical rendition of the Goddess's narrative (Kannaki Charitam) during the "Kappukettu ritual."
- The pongala preparation process begins with a rite known as 'Aduppu Vertu.'
- The top priest is igniting the pongala hearth named Pandara Aduppu within the temple.
- According to Guinness World Records, the event is the largest yearly gathering of women.
- On February 23, 1997, 1.5 million women participated in Pongala, which was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- A new Guinness World Record was set in 2009, with 2.5 million people in attendance.
- This temple is often referred to as Sabarimala for ladies.
- Despite the fact that it is a Hindu celebration, many Christian ladies in Kerala present Pongala to the Goddess.
Attukal Temple
- The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu holy temple in the Kerala town of Attukal.
- The principal deity in this temple is Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), who is mounted over vethala.
- Bhadrakali, a version of Mahakali who destroyed the demon king Daruka, is said to have been created from Lord Shiva's third eye.
- 'Bhadra' means 'good,' while 'Kali' means 'time goddess.'
- As a result, Bhadrakali is revered as the goddess of wealth and salvation. Goddess 'Attukal devi' is the supreme mother 'Bhaadrkali devi', the goddess of force and courage (in soumya aspect).
- Kannaki, the heroine of Ilanko Adikal's 'Silapathikaram,' is another name for her.
- The Attukal Temple Trust estimates that over 4.5 million devotees would attend the pongala in 2016.
- Devotees believe that the goddess will grant all of their requests, offer wealth, and lead them to salvation.
- Attukal devi is frequently worshipped in three different forms: Maha Saraswati (goddess of education, arts, and language), Maha Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity, auspiciousness, and power), and Mahakali/ Parvathy (goddess of marriage, time, death).
Kuthiyottam
- Boys do Kuthiyottam in the hopes of the Goddess almighty bestowing beauty on them both inside and out, as well as health, money, and happiness. Kuthiyottam is offered by boys under the age of twelve.
- These young lads depict the Goddess Mahishasura Marddini's wounded troops.
- These young boys receive prasadam (offering) from the temple priest on the third day of the festival and begin a seven-day penance to cleanse their body and soul.
- They must undergo hard physical and mental discipline for this goal, such as sleeping on a mat, adhering to stringent dietary restrictions, and staying at the temple, among other things.
Thalapoli
- On the pongala day, girls make thalappoli, which is a popular custom. A swarm of little females, all under the age of twelve.
- Holding Thalappoli in traditional garb begins early in the morning in the expectation that the Goddess almighty would give beauty on them both inside and out, as well as health, money, and happiness.
Vilakku Kettu
- From the first to the ninth day of the Pongala celebration, Vilakkukettu as nercha arrives in the Temple at night.
- The vilakku kettu, in which devotees carry beautifully decorated structures bearing idols and pictures of the Goddess on their heads as they make their way to the temple from various parts of the city every night of the festival, accompanied by chenda melam music, is one of the most spectacular sights of the festival.
Conclusion
The Attukal Pongala, celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram's Attukal Temple, is the world's biggest gathering of women for a festival. The whole city of Thiruvananthapuram is illuminated in festive fervour, and the number of devotees has grown to the point that it has been inscribed in the Guinness World Book of Records. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that must be experienced firsthand to fully appreciate its majesty.
FAQs
Question. What is Attukal Pongala?
Answer: Attukal Pongala is a famous Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is dedicated to the goddess Attukal Amma, believed to be an incarnation of Parvati. The festival is one of the largest gatherings of women, where they offer prayers and prepare a special dish called "Pongala" as a mark of devotion.
Question. How is Attukal Pongala celebrated?
Answer: The celebration involves women cooking Pongala, a sweet dish made from rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee, in open spaces, especially in and around the Attukal Temple. The women gather in large numbers, cook the dish in earthen pots, and offer it to the goddess. This is done after performing rituals and prayers. The entire atmosphere is filled with religious fervor, devotion, and a sense of community.
Question. Why is Attukal Pongala important for women?
Answer: Attukal Pongala is particularly significant for women as it is believed to be a festival dedicated to their well-being. It offers them an opportunity to gather, celebrate together, and offer prayers for the prosperity and happiness of their families. Women across different socio-economic backgrounds come together to perform the ritual, reinforcing solidarity and social bonds.
Question. What is the significance of Pongala in the festival?
Answer: Pongala, the dish offered to the goddess, is made of rice, jaggery, and coconut, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and the blessing of abundance. The act of cooking Pongala in an open space is symbolic of offering one's heart and labor to the goddess. It is believed that preparing and offering this dish fulfills the wishes of the devotees and brings prosperity.
Question. What makes Attukal Pongala unique?
Answer: Attukal Pongala is unique not only because it is one of the largest gatherings of women in the world but also because it is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest annual gathering of women for a religious purpose. The festival reflects Kerala's rich cultural traditions, devotion, and the important role of women in religious practices.
MCQs
- Which deity is worshipped during the Attukal Pongala festival?
a) Lord Vishnu
b) Lord Shiva
c) Goddess Attukal Amma
d) Goddess Lakshmi
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The Attukal Pongala festival is dedicated to Goddess Attukal Amma, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
- What is the main offering prepared during Attukal Pongala?
a) Sweets and fruits
b) Pongala, a rice dish
c) Incense and flowers
d) Milk and water
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The main offering during the Attukal Pongala festival is the dish called "Pongala," made from rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee.
- In which city is the Attukal Pongala festival celebrated?
a) Kochi
b) Kozhikode
c) Thiruvananthapuram
d) Malappuram
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Attukal Pongala is celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, where the Attukal Temple is located.
- What is the unique feature of the Attukal Pongala festival?
a) It is celebrated only by men
b) It involves cooking Pongala in temples
c) It is the largest gathering of women for a religious purpose
d) It is a month-long festival
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
Attukal Pongala is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest annual gathering of women for a religious purpose.
- What is the significance of the Pongala dish prepared during the festival?
a) It symbolizes prosperity and fertility
b) It symbolizes the end of the harvest season
c) It symbolizes the defeat of evil
d) It symbolizes the monsoon season
Answer: (A) See the Explanation
The Pongala dish symbolizes prosperity, fertility, and the blessing of abundance, which is believed to be bestowed by the goddess Attukal Amma.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Explain the cultural and religious significance of Attukal Pongala in Kerala.
Answer: Attukal Pongala is one of the most significant festivals in Kerala, celebrated in honor of Goddess Attukal Amma. The festival holds cultural and religious importance as it involves the largest gathering of women for a religious purpose, symbolizing women’s role in religious and social life. The festival is deeply rooted in devotion, where women offer Pongala, a traditional rice dish, to the goddess, symbolizing their prayers for prosperity and well-being. It fosters a sense of community and solidarity among women from different walks of life, transcending caste, class, and economic barriers. Additionally, the festival represents Kerala's rich cultural heritage and highlights the vital role of women in maintaining social and religious traditions.
Q2: Discuss the role of women in Attukal Pongala and its impact on the social fabric of Kerala.
Answer: Attukal Pongala is unique as it is an entirely women-centered festival. The participation of women in large numbers to prepare and offer the Pongala dish symbolizes their integral role in religious rituals and social bonding. The festival empowers women by providing them with a space to come together and celebrate, irrespective of their socio-economic status. It strengthens social ties and fosters a sense of unity, as women from diverse backgrounds participate in the common act of devotion. The event is not just a religious occasion but also a social event, which creates opportunities for women to connect, exchange ideas, and support each other. In this way, Attukal Pongala impacts the social fabric of Kerala by reinforcing the importance of women’s active participation in cultural and community life.
Q3: Evaluate the significance of Attukal Pongala being recognized as a Guinness World Record.
Answer: The recognition of Attukal Pongala as the largest gathering of women for a religious purpose by the Guinness World Records brings international attention to Kerala’s cultural heritage. It not only highlights the scale of the festival but also emphasizes the significant role women play in religious and cultural events in the state. The recognition serves as a testament to the strong community spirit among the women of Kerala and their dedication to preserving age-old traditions. Moreover, it promotes Kerala’s cultural tourism, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the unique celebration. This global recognition helps in fostering pride in local traditions and underscores the importance of maintaining and celebrating cultural heritage.
Previous Year Questions on Attukal Pongala
1. UPSC CSE 2020
Question: "What is the main offering prepared during the Attukal Pongala festival?"
Answer: The main offering in the Attukal Pongala festival is the traditional dish called Pongala, which is made from rice, jaggery, and coconut, and offered to the goddess Attukal Amma.
2. UPSC CSE 2019
Question: "Discuss the cultural significance of women’s participation in the Attukal Pongala festival and its impact on Kerala’s society."
Answer: Attukal Pongala, being a women-centered festival, plays an important role in shaping the social dynamics of Kerala. It provides women with a platform to participate in religious rituals and strengthens community bonds across diverse groups. It highlights the central role of women in sustaining cultural and social traditions while empowering them by promoting solidarity and unity through collective participation.
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