The Attukal Pongala Festival is scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on March 13, 2025, with the event marking the largest gathering of women for a religious festival, as recorded in the Guinness World Records. The festivities will start on March 5 with the Kappuketti Kudiyiruthal ritual at 10 am, followed by the Kuthiyottam ritual for boys at 7 pm. The main festival day falls on March 13, with the Aduppuvettu ritual set to begin at 10:15 am. This will be followed by the Nivedyam ritual at 1:15 pm and Purathezhunnalethu at 11:15 pm, marking key moments in the celebrations. The Kappazhikkal ritual will take place on the evening of March 14, before the festival concludes with Kuruthi Tharpanam.
In preparation for the large crowds, 30 wards in Thiruvananthapuram have been designated as a festival zone. To ensure the event follows environmental guidelines, strict adherence to the green protocol will be enforced. Key safety and logistical measures have been outlined, including significant police presence—over 3,000 policemen will be deployed in two phases to ensure the safety of attendees. Parking restrictions will be imposed at several locations, and devotees are advised against setting up stoves near petrol stations.
Additionally, authorities have placed restrictions on the sale of alcohol within the city limits and Vellar ward of Venganoor panchayat, from 6 pm on March 12 until 6 pm on March 13. The popular helicopter flower shower that traditionally follows the Pongala preparation has been canceled this year due to ongoing runway construction at Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Furthermore, the Enchakkal flyover, which had been closed for maintenance, will reopen during the festival.
To ensure smooth operations, Subcollector OV Alfred has been appointed as the nodal officer for the event. Moreover, Minister V Shivankutty has requested that the Kerala government declare March 13 a holiday for the district in celebration of this grand occasion.
