THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital city was once again steeped in devotion as millions of women gathered to offer the sacred Attukal Pongala today, March 3, 2026. Amidst the sea of devotees lining the streets to seek the blessings of Attukal Bhagavathy, a familiar and much-loved face was present: Malayalam actress and producer Chippy Renjith.
Keeping up with a tradition she has maintained for over two decades, Chippy arrived early to prepare her earthen hearth. For Malayalis, seeing the actress at the festival has become synonymous with the event itself, with fans often fondly noting that she never misses the annual offering.
A Deeply Rooted Spiritual Bond
For Chippy, offering Pongala is more than just a ritual; it is a deeply personal spiritual commitment. She has often stated in the past that she has been taking part in the festival since her childhood. Despite her busy schedule managing television productions and acting, she makes it a priority to clear her calendar for this auspicious day in the Malayalam month of Kumbham.
Sitting patiently by the brick stoves amidst the smoke and the chanting of prayers, the actress reflected the simple, egalitarian spirit of the festival—where celebrities and commoners sit side-by-side on the streets to offer their sweet rice dish to the Mother Goddess.
A Gathering of Mollywood Stars
While the Attukal Pongala is celebrated globally as the largest congregation of women, the temple premises and surrounding streets always attract prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Along with Chippy, other well-known Mollywood personalities, including veteran actresses like Annie and Parvathy Jayaram, are also regular attendees, bringing a touch of star power to the deeply traditional event.
Millions Gather for the 2026 Mahotsavam
The 2026 Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam officially began its main rituals at 9:15 AM today with the traditional lighting of the main hearth (Pandara Aduppu) inside the temple by the chief priest. The flame was then passed down to the millions of earthen pots set up across the city. The city administration, police, and fire rescue departments had put extensive preparations in place to manage the massive influx of devotees, ensuring the festival proceeded smoothly.
As the Nivedyam (blessing of the offering) concludes in the afternoon, thousands of women, including Chippy, will return home carrying the immense satisfaction of having fulfilled their spiritual vow to Attukalamma for another year.
