Attukal Pongala:

Attukal Pongala: Kerala's Famous Women's Festival
Attukal Pongala is a ten-day religious celebration held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is exclusively observed by female devotees. The celebration starts on the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham and ends with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. It often occurs in February or March.
The traditional Attukal Pongala is dedicated to Goddess Attukalamma or Goddess Bhadrakali (Kannaki), the main deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, often known as the Sabarimala for Women. Guinness World Records recognises this festival as the world's largest annual gathering of women. The Guinness Book of World Records initially recognised the celebration on February 23, 1997, when 1.5 million ladies took part in Pongala. In 2009, a new Guinness World Record was set with 2.5 million attendees.
Pongala, which means 'to boil over', is a rite in which women make delicious payasam, a pudding made of rice, jaggery, coconut and plantains, and present it to the Goddess Attukalamma. Despite the searing heat, thousands of ladies assemble at the Attukal temple to give Pongala sacrifices. The rite begins with 'Aduppuvettu', when the chief priest lights the Pongala hearth (known as Pandarayaduppu) inside the temple. After preparing the Pongala, the top priest showers the women with holy water and flowers while carrying Devi's sword. The consecrated Pongala is then distributed to devotees as Prasadam. Devotees think that Attukal Amma will appear at Attukal during the Pongala festival to bless them.Attukal Pongala is traditionally celebrated on the Bharani day of the Malayalam month of Makaram or Kumbham, which typically occurs between February and March.

Attukal Pongala is a sacred ritual of faith and sisterhood.
In the sacred ambiance of Attukal Pongala, ladies come with quiet resolve to make the traditional offering of rice, jaggery, and coconut in clay pots. Each step, from preparing the hearth to stirring the materials over an open flame, is done with great care and devotion.The practice is a display of steadfast faith, humility, and spiritual connection rather than merely a gastronomic custom. These ladies, regardless of age or origin, are united by a same goal: to seek Attukalamma's blessings and continue a potent tradition of devotion. In Kerala's spiritual life, where community, belief, and divine grace join together in a hallowed act of worship, their involvement serves as a silent but potent tribute to the lasting role of women.