Attukal Pongala: The year 2026 raced through with so many unexpected milestones, the most significant one being the opportunity to offer Attukal Pongala. What began as a family get-together culminated in a precious and most beautiful blessing from Devi or Bhagawathy, as we Malayalis refer to the Divine Mother. As my humblest offering to Attukal Devi, I offer this writing to Bhagawathy , with a prayer that may more and more women from all walks of life find joy and fulfilment through offering Attukal Pongala year after year. May their joy multiply! [READ: Conversations with my Mother and Amazing Tale of Peddabottu ] What is the Story Behind Attukal Pongala? The Attukal Pongala festival celebrates and honours the life of Kannaki , who is said to be a real life heroine whose tragedy is documented in the Tamil epic, Silapathikaram . The story is that an angry Kannaki's wrath upon Madurai over the merciless and unjust execution of her husband Kovalan, following which ...
A Journey To The Inner Self | Reflections on Culture, Spirituality and Bhakti