Pongala 2026 | Sree Karinkkali Devi Temple Trivandrum

പൊങ്കാല 2026 ശ്രീ കരിങ്കാളി ദേവി ക്ഷേത്രം തിരുവനന്തപുരം | Pongala 2026 Sree Karinkkali Devi Temple Trivandrum

The Pongala festival at Sree Karinkkali Devi Temple, Trivandrum, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated events in Kerala drawing thousands of devotees from across the state and neighboring regions. This festival is dedicated to Sri Karinkkali Devi, a powerful manifestation of the Mother Goddess revered for her protective and benevolent qualities. The word "Pongala" literally means “to boil over” symbolizing the offering of a sweet rice dish cooked in earthen pots which is made by women devotees as an act of devotion and gratitude. During the festival, the temple and its surrounding areas come alive with devotional fervor, colorful decorations and the scent of jasmine and incense. Devotees primarily women prepare the special Pongala offering in temporary stoves set up along the streets leading to the temple. The atmosphere is electric with the chanting of hymns, traditional music and the rhythmic beats of percussion instruments enhancing the spiritual energy of the place.

The ritual begins with the lighting of the main hearth inside the temple after which the flame is distributed to devotees who then light their own stoves to cook the Pongala. This act of collective worship and devotion is believed to invoke the blessings of Sri Karinkkali Devi bringing prosperity, health and happiness to families. Apart from the cooking of Pongala, the festival also features other cultural and religious activities including devotional songs, dance performances and special poojas conducted by the temple priests. The temple management ensures that all facilities are in place to accommodate the large influx of devotees providing arrangements for safety, water and seating.

EVENTS/PROGRAMS
• Lighting of the Main Hearth
• Pongala Offering by Women Devotees
• Daily Poojas & Special Abhishekam
• Devotional Songs, Bhajans and Traditional Music
• Cultural Performances
• Procession of Sri Karinkkali Devi
• Special Votive Offerings & Annadanam
• Evening Aarti & Closing Rituals

Temple Location

📍 Sree Karinkkali Devi Temple, Kunnapuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695032.

Accessibility

🏙️ Nearest Town / Landmark / Junction: Kunnapuzha – 0.5 km
🚌 Nearest Bus Station: Thampanoor KSRTC Bus Stand – 8 km
🚂 Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station – 8 km
✈️ Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport – 12 km