Millions of women gathered in Thiruvananthapuram for Attukal Pongala festival today, March 3. Due to a total lunar eclipse, rituals were advanced: the hearths were lit at 9:45 AM, with sanctification at 2:15 PM. The temple will close at 3:10 PM for the eclipse, as devotees seeks blessings from Goddess Kannaki in this record-breaking event.