THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just one more day for Attukal Pongala, the largest congregation of women in the world, festive spirit in city is in full swing. One can see earthen pots and hearths arranged along the road side. The favourite locations such as the Kowdiyar-Thycaud stretch and PMG-Vellayambalam have already been taken over by the devotees.
Earthenware sellers too have placed themselves at prime spots in the area. Goutham from Thycaud has moved his shop from Overbridge to a spot in front of Government Rest House. “Once the road is closed, people will have to walk through here and my shop will be the first in line,” he beamed. He is confident that the 2,000 pots he had brought from Panakudi in Tamil Nadu will be sold by Saturday morning. The price of the pots ranges from Rs 30 to Rs 125. Sreekumar, a potter from Nagarcoil has been selling ‘Chunkankadai’ pots at the pongala venue since 2005.
According to him the location near the Women and Children Hospital in Thycaud, has been lucky for him. Potters’ hamlets in Marthandam, Nagercoil, Shencottah and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu are regulars here. People can also buy coconut shell spoons and sticks (Rs 20), coconut flower sheaths for fuel (Rs 30), bricks for the hearth (Rs 40) etc from the potters.
Most of the wards surrounding the temple have been decorated with flags, illuminations etc. The roads leading to the temple are all decked up and the locals were seen making ‘vilakkukettukal’, a structure made on wooden frame using tender coconut fronds. Devotees are turning up in large numbers. Many were seen lighting the oil lamp made of squeezed lemon, considered one of the major offerings for goddess. Boys below the age of 12 who take part in ‘Kuthiyottam’ were seen engaged in ritualistic ablutions. They are considered as warriors of the goddess. The boys will be staying inside the temple during the festival and undergo 1,008 genuflections at four sides of the temple.
Shops galore
A large number shops have come up in the perimeter of the ground in front of the temple. Various devotional and cultural programme have been organised for the devotees at the two stages erected here. Around 35 lakh devotees are expected to visit the city for this year’s Pongala.
Security Tightened
Police have launched drone surveillance at Attukal and nearby areas for the Pongala festival. The drone camera visuals will be monitored live at the Police Control Room.Besides women police personnel, commandos too have been deployed. State Police Chief Loknath Behera inaugurated the drone surveillance system at the Attukal parking ground on Thursday evening. Thiruvananthapuram Range IG Manoj Abraham was also present.
Traffic restriction
City Police have announced traffic restrictions in Manacaud and Attukal areas in connection with the Attukal pongala festival. During rush hours vehicles from Attukal temple road and Kalippankulam road heading to Attakulangara should take the free left towards Manacaud Junction. From there they are advised to turn right, enter the round about and head to Attakulangara. Police have asked drivers to adhere to the directions to avoid traffic snarls. For suggestions and complaints on traffic restrictions, call 0471-2558731, 2558732