SHORT NEWS

Art & Culture (GS-I)

Attukal Pongala

Lakhs of women arrived in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, to observe ‘Attukal Pongala’.

About Attukal Pongala

• Attukal Pongala is a ten day annual Malayalam event.
• Time: Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (Feb-March) on Karthika star.
• The ‘Attukal Pongala’ is dubbed as one of the biggest gatherings of women in the world.
• It is attended by women from different parts of Kerala and neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu. 
• The goddess at the centuries-old Attukal Devi temple is worshipped by the devotees in the form of ‘Bhadrakali’ or ‘Kannaki’ to whom the ‘pongal’ offering is made on the ninth day of the 10-day festival at the temple.
• Ritual: Women gather around the premises of temple and cook ‘pongala payasam’.
  • The pongala payasam is a rice pudding made with red rice, jaggery, banana, ghee, and coconut, boiled over in earthen pots as part of the ritual.
  • It is offered to the presiding deity, Attukal Amma (Goddess Bhagwati).

Polity & Governance (GS-II)

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for over 550 Amrit Bharat stations across the country, with an allocated budget of Rs 40,000 crore.

What is Amrit Bharat Stations Scheme?

• Objective: To enhance station facilities with modern infrastructure, including roof plazas and city centers, fostering a more convenient and comfortable experience for passengers.
• The initiative underscores a commitment to bolstering India's transportation infrastructure.
• As part of the scheme, Indian Railways is crafting comprehensive Master Plans, integrating urban development around railway stations.
• This integrated approach signifies a holistic vision aimed at fostering overall urban development centered on these pivotal transport hubs.