HC directs Kerala govt not to block roads during ''Pongala''

Kochi, February 2 (PTI) Kerala High Court today directedthe state government and DGP to ensure roads are not blockedduring the famous Attukkal Pongala festival atThiruvananthapuram on Feb 19, which is listed in the Guinnessbook of records as the largest gathering of women anywhere.

The direction in this regard was issued by a divisionbench comprising Justice C N Ramachandran Nair and Justice B PRay on a petition filed by Giresh seeking a direction to takeadequate safety measures during the festival.

During the festival, women devotees offer boilded rice inearthen pots to goddess Attukala Devi. Last year, 30 lakhdevotees participated in the ''Pongala''.

The bench also directed the state government to file areport about measures taken for public safety during thefestival.