Thiruvananthapuram: The state capital is all set to celebrate this year's Attukal Pongala Festival, which will kick off on Tuesday. The 10-day festival, which draws devotees from across the country and globe, will conclude on Feb 21. The much-awaited Pongala ritual will be held on February 20. Actor Mammootty is expected to inaugurate the cultural programmes to be held as part of the festival.
An official said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will review the preparatory works in the Attukal Temple zone on Tuesday. Following the success of the previous years, this year also the authorities are planning to ensure an eco-friendly Attukal pongala. The City Corporation has declared green protocol in 21 wards coming under its jurisdiction.
"Lakhs of people throng the state capital during this festival and it's the responsibility of the authorities to ensure a safe and eco-friendly pongala, which we ensured in the previous years. We have started giving registration and the voluntary organisations doing annadanams should serve food and water in eco-friendly utensils" said the official. "The devotees who take part in the pongala should also bring steel glasses and plates to curb the use of plastic," the official added.
Attukal temple has got the food safety registration for distributing prasadams for the devotees.
