PM Modi Extends Attukal Pongala Wishes, Calls It a Celebration of Nari Shakti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings on the occasion of Attukal Pongala , describing it as a festival that symbolises women’s strength, harmony and collective devotion .

Taking to X, the Prime Minister said, “Warm wishes on the sacred occasion of Attukal Pongala. This festival has a special importance for our Nari Shakti . May this auspicious day bring prosperity and good health in everyone’s lives. May the spirit of harmony and togetherness be furthered in society.”

The 10-day festival, held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, witnessed lakhs of women devotees assembling across the city for the ritual offering on its ninth day. The highlight of the celebrations was the ceremonial lighting of the hearth, known as ‘Pandara Aduppu’ , which marks the beginning of the Pongala ritual. Devotees prepare offerings of rice, jaggery and banana in earthen pots and present them to Goddess Attukal Devi.

Popularly known as the “Women’s Sabarimala,” the festival draws massive participation from women devotees each year, symbolising faith, unity and spiritual solidarity. Its global stature was cemented in 2009 , when it entered the Guinness World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious event , with an estimated 2.5 million participants . The recognition brought international attention to the Kerala festival, highlighting it as the world’s largest women-led religious congregation and boosting cultural pride as well as religious tourism in the state.

Meanwhile, Kerala MLA and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan described Attukal Pongala 2026 as the “real Kerala story,” emphasising the state’s secular ethos amid ongoing debates surrounding the film “The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.”

“All communities are hosts to devotees coming from various parts of Kerala. This is our legacy,” Satheesan said, adding that the festival reflects Kerala’s tradition of communal harmony.

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V V Rajesh assured that elaborate arrangements had been made for the smooth conduct of the event, with KSRTC deploying additional vehicles to manage the massive turnout, as the city witnessed an overwhelming spiritual gathering.