A green army will be formed to strengthen the green protocol for Attukal Pongala.
The decision was taken at a meeting to review arrangements for the Attukal Pongala festival to be held from February 23 to March 4. General Education and Labor Minister V. Sivankutty presided over the meeting which was attended by officials from various departments.
A total of 3,640 policemen will be deployed on Pongal day (March 3).
Police officials sought to divide the temple premises into two sectors and control the crowds on Pongal day with barricades rather than ropes. It was also proposed that the main stage be built not towards the road but towards the grounds.
A 24-hour medical team, which includes pediatric specialists, will also be deployed in connection with Pongala. Ambulances will be parked in 10 places. A medical control room will be open 24 hours a day on the premises of the temple. Due to the threat of burns, 10% of the beds in hospitals near the temple, if any, will be reserved for such cases.
The Fire and Rescue Service will operate the control room for the entire 10 days of the festival.
Nearly 3,500 workers will be deployed for cleaning in connection with Pongala.
Water in 27 tankers will be transported the day before Pongala.
Nearly 200 voluntary organizations that will deliver food on Pongal day have been directed to strictly follow the green protocol.
The canals and drains in 16 corporation wards near the temple will be cleaned. Kerala State Electricity Board will operate a 24-hour control room. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will operate 800 special services. As part of pilgrimage tourism, up to 250 tour packages from the northern districts will be operated. Special trains and supplementary trains will also run.
On March 3, the fire will be lit in the main hearth at 9.45 a.m. Nivedyam will be held at 2.15 p.m.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies GR Anil, Deputy Mayor Asha Nath GS, councilors and officials of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Trust.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 21:07 IST
