Attukal Pongala 2026 Festival Guide: Date, Pongala Offerings and Dos Don’ts

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the city of Thiruvananthapuram will witness one of the world’s largest gatherings of devotees for Attukal Pongala. This year, the festival is especially unique because it coincides with a Total Lunar Eclipse. This rare celestial event means your timing for the ritual is more important than ever. In the tradition of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, this day is considered a time for a massive release of feminine power. It is a time when millions of women offer a simple sweet dish to Goddess Kannaki to ask for prosperity and justice.

Attukal Pongala 2026: Does the March 3 Eclipse Affect the Ritual?

The most important thing for every devotee to know in 2026 is the timing of the Lunar Eclipse. A Total Lunar Eclipse is expected to peak around 5:03 pm on March 3. Traditionally, the Sutak or prohibition period starts a few hours before the eclipse. Because of this, it is suggested that you complete your Pongala offerings early. The goal is to have your pot blessed by the priests before the shadow of the eclipse takes over in the late afternoon.

Exact Timings for Attukal Pongala on March 3, 2026

The festival begins with the Kappukettu ceremony days earlier, but the ninth day is when the hearths are lit. This ritual is known as the Aduppuvettu.

Pooram Nakshathram Begins: 07:31 am on March 3.

Auspicious Gain Window (Laabam): 06:44 am to 08:12 am.

Auspicious Wealth Window (Dhanam): 08:12 am to 09:39 am.

The Lighting of the Hearth: Traditionally, the chief priest lights the main fire in the morning. You should wait for this signal before lighting your own pot.

Also read: Holi 2026 Date & Muhurat

The Legend of Attukalamma and the Pongala Offering

The festival is based on the story of Goddess Kannaki. After she left Madurai, she is believed to have stopped at Attukal. The local women welcomed her with simple food made of rice, jaggery, and coconut. This gesture is still repeated today. By preparing this dish in an earthen pot, you are inviting the Goddess into your own life. It is said that when the pot boils over, it signifies the overflowing of blessings and the victory of truth over hardship.

Essential Rules for Devotees (Do’s and Don’ts)

To keep the sanctity of the ritual, certain traditional guidelines should be followed.

Fasting and Purity: It is common practice to observe a fast or eat only simple vegetarian food in the days leading up to the Pongala. Take a holy bath on the morning of March 3.
Drss in Traditional Attire: Women traditionally wear cotton sarees or the Kerala set mundu. This is considered respectful to the deity and helps you stay cool in the heat.
The Earthen Pot Ritual: Use only a new clay pot and firewood. Avoid using plastic or modern stoves.
Wait for the Blessing: Do not move your pot until the temple priests have sprinkled it with holy water. This turns your food into Prasadam.

How to Celebrate Attukal Pongala at Home

If you are unable to travel to the temple in person, you can still perform the ritual in your own kitchen to receive the blessings of the Goddess.

Start by cleaning your kitchen area thoroughly to create a sacred space for the ritual.
Place a small lamp or a picture of Attukalamma in a quiet corner of your home.
Use a new earthen pot on your stove, if possible, to keep the traditional feel of the offering.
Prepare the mixture of rice, jaggery, and coconut while keeping your mind focused on your intentions.
Light your stove at the same time as the temple priest in the morning to stay in sync with the collective prayer.
Make sure to finish your cooking and offer the dish before the afternoon eclipse begins.
To deepen the festive mood and calm your mind, you can listen to the Mercury 141.27 Hz frequency on AstroSure.ai. This SoulChant can help you to stay calm and balanced as the festival falls during the period of Mercury Retrograde.

Also read: Amalaki Ekadashi 2026: Date, timings and 6 small rituals

Attukal Pongala 2026 is a rare opportunity to connect with the divine feminine during a powerful eclipse. While the timing requires extra care this year, the underlying message remains the same. It is a day of unity, faith, and the simple joy of an offering made from the heart. As you light your hearth on March 3, know that you are part of a massive spiritual family protected by the Mother.