Neendoor Sri Moolasthanam Chandra Pongal is observed in
Makaram month at Nendoor in Kerala. The ritual is held at the original abode of
the Goddess worshipped here.
Pongala ritual is an essential feature in many Bhagavathy
Temple in Kerala.
Chandra Pongala ritual is held at night.
Pongala ritual comprises of preparing ‘prasad’ for the deity
outside the shrine. Women cook rice and jaggery in earthen pots and they offer
it to the Goddess. Coconut tree fronds are used to cook the ‘prasad.’
The temple is decorated during the period with lights, lamp,
plantain, coconut fronds, flowers etc.
Holy fire from the temple is taken out to start the fire for
cooking Pongala.