The Chakulathukavu Bhagavthy Temple Devaswom and various Government departments have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual Pongala festival.
This year’s Pongala festival at the Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple at Neerettupuram near Thiruvalla will be held on December 1.
In a statement issued here on Friday, the temple administrator, Manikkuttan Namboodiri said the Pongala festival would begin with the Ashtadravya Ganapati homom at 4.30 followed by the lighting of the main Pongala in the morning.
The temple chief priest, Radhakrishnan Namboodiri will light the main heart by transferring the sacred fire from the sanctum sanctorum to it.
Devotees will prepare the Pongala offering (rice payasom) at the sprawling temple premises as well as on either sides of various major roads leading to the temple.
Mr. Suresh Kavumbhagom, public relations officer, told The Hindu that the Pongala coupon counters have already been opened at the temple premises. He said the temple devaswom has also opened information counters at different parts of Thiruvalla and the adjoining areas in Alappuzha district.
The departments of Health, Police, Water Resources, Revenue, Excise, Fire and Rescue Force, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Kerala State Electricity Board and Kerala State Water Transport Department have made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual festival for which thousands of devotees are expected to congregate in and around Chakkulathukavu on Monday and Tuesday.
Cultural meet
Mr. Kodikkunnil Suresh, MP, will inaugurate the cultural meet to be held on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Thomas Chandy, MLA, will preside over the meet.
Mr. Radhakrishnan Namboodiri will deliver the benedictory speech. Oscar Award winner Rasul Pookkutty will be honoured on the occasion. Mr. C.V. Anandabose, Managing Director of NAFED, will light the Karthika-sthambhom, later.
The annual Naree-puja at the temple will be held on December 18.
