On March 8, 2025, the Kerala Hindus of Arizona (KHA) hosted a vibrant and spiritually uplifting Attukal Pongala Celebration at the Maha Ganapati Temple of Arizona, bringing the enchanting spirit of Kerala to life. This beloved festival, celebrated as the world’s largest annual gathering of women, brought the local community together in a grand expression of faith, culture, and unity.

The day began early, with the temple's chief priest Jayatheeswaran Bhattar leading a series of sacred rituals starting at 7:00 am, including the Maha Ganapati Homam, Vriksha Puja, Naga Puja, and Devi Puja. These sacred ceremonies created an atmosphere filled with devotion, as the community came together to honor the divine. At 9:00 am, the iconic “Pandara Aduppu,” a central hearth, was lit, marking the start of the sacred Pongala offering, with devotees gathered in front of the temple lighting their own makeshift stoves, creating a striking scene of unity and tradition.

The air was filled with the fragrance of the Pongala offerings, while the sound of prayers and chants like the Lalithasahasra Namam echoed, adding to the spiritual ambiance. The priest did the sacred Pongala Thalikkal at 12 noon, followed by maha aarati. The celebration culminated in a grand Pongala Sadya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves, which brought everyone together to share in the joy of community and culture.

Devotees praised KHA for its incredible effort in creating an authentic atmosphere and bringing the true spirit of Pongala—one that is deeply cherished in Kerala—back to Arizona. They acknowledged how the event successfully captured the essence of the beloved Kerala tradition, making it feel as though they were celebrating at home.

Nidhina Dhaneesh welcomed all to the event with a heartfelt note, emphasizing that while we may be far from our beloved homeland, the spirit of this remarkable tradition and its significance transcend distances, cultures, and borders. Attukal Pongala is a celebration of devotion, unity, and faith.

Neethu Kiran expressed her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from attendees, stating, “Attukal Pongala is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of unity, faith, and the cultural heritage that binds us together. We are truly thankful to all those who participated and contributed to making this celebration a success.” She also took a moment to extend special thanks to Srinivasa Guptha for his unwavering support and dedication from the planning stages to the successful execution of the event. His dedication and contributions played a vital role in the success of the festival. Our deepest thanks also go to the Maha Ganapati Temple Management and the Volunteers, whose relentless efforts and commitment ensured the seamless organization of the event. Their support was crucial in making this celebration memorable and successful, allowing attendees to feel both welcome and spiritually connected. 

Neethu Kiran also extended special recognition to the KHA Executive Committee, the Food Committee, and the volunteers, saying, "Their combined efforts ensured that the event was well-organized, well-fed, and a truly memorable success. We are deeply grateful for their hard work and dedication, which made the entire celebration run smoothly".