Attukal Pongala is one of the Hindu festivals which is celebrated and enjoyed at a grand scale. This annual occurrence has even made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for the the largest gathering of women in the world. The feat was recorded in 2009 when over 20.5 lakh women showed up for the event.

Attukal Pongala celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Several perceive Attukal Pongala as an organised affair of immense commotion as devotees throng the Hindu pilgrimage centre in Thiruvananthapuram offering Pongala. The annual assembly is visible till as far as 10 km from the temple.

CHURCHES AND MOSQUES PARTICIPATE IN ATTUKAL PONGALA

In spite of the fact that it's a Hindu festival, the state and the word witness the epitome of religious and cultural harmony with mosques and churches leaving their gates wide open for the devotees as thousands of women line up on either side of the road.

Pongala occurred on Friday which was also auspicious for the Muslims. Special Friday prayers were held in all the mosques. The iconic Palayam Juma Masjid offered their large prayer hall for the devotees who came for Pobgala while the Friday prayers were observed in another portion of the mosque.

Palayam Juma Masjid offered their large prayer hall to the Hindu devotees.

Many families which came from different parts of the state were even provided accommodation inside the Masjid. The mosque also provided water and refreshments.

A similar scene was noticed on the other side of the road as the Palayam Cathedral installed a makeshift counter which was used to smoothen the path of the Hindu devotees who came for Pongala.

Palayam Cathedral opened its gates for Hindu devotees.

The water used to prepare food as offering to Hindu Goddess Durga was also provided by the church.

This custom has been followed in the state capital for decades now and the spiritual leaders affirm that this will continue to happen forever.

KERALA CELEBRATES ATTUKAL PONGALA

Thousand of women braved the hot Sun as they prepared Pongala (offering) in makeshift brick stoves to appease the presiding deity of Attukal Bhagavathy temple, in what is called as one of the world's largest all women gatherings.

Attukal Pongala celebrations in Kerala.

The worshippers converged a day ahead of the festival which also saw participation of eminent personalities, including the wife of the Kerala Governor, well known poetess Suguthakumari and veteran sprint queen PT Usha.

As per local legend, the Pongala festival commemorates the hospitality accorded by women in the locality to Kannagi, the divine incarnation of the heroine of the Tamil epic 'Silappadhikaram' while she was on her way to Kodungalur in central Kerala after destroying Madurai city to avenge the injustice to her husband Kovilan.

The Pongala festival marks the finale of the 10-day ritual at the shrine.