The Pot outside the Attukal Pongala
While roaming around Trivandrum i saw the city being decked up for the annual event of Attukal Pongala . Colours of all hues brighten up the city, people of all shades put in their efforts to appease their Attukal Amma, come Sunday. Enthusiasm all around, I for once was humbled.Everyone is playing their part in equal measure. From the big shopping malls to the road side vendor every one lines up to make something for themselves and also play a part. The huge line of pots along the roadside is something one cannot miss, but for being blind. Men and women display their pots of all sizes to devoted women in the hope that the offering would well be cooked in their pots.
I stopped by for a snap and also some chit chat with one of the vendors. Hearing Sivan(name changed) tale was as as good as it gets though a bit cliched.
Hailing from Neyattinakara on the border with Tamil Nadu this gentleman along with his mom and grandmother has been selling pots which is procured from Tamilnadu for the past 15 years. A porter by profession Pongala is his gateway to some quick money courtesy Attukal Amma’s blessing. Its a refreshing change he says from the back breaking work to that of a pot seller. He will go back with money and satisfaction too for Amma’s blessing in helping out the gentle womenfolk to carry out thier offering will in no way go unnoticed . This is is his slice of destiny and I for a moment closed my eyes in divine reverence.








































Attukal Pongala celebrations, the much awaited 10-day festival at the Attukal Devi Temple is starting this weekend on February 20, 2010. The Pongala is on February 28, Sunday.



