It is a ten-day programme commencing on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February–March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. On the ninth day, ie on the Pooram Star of the Makaram-Kumbham in the Malayalam month, the world-famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. The major part of the city itself at about 8 kilometre radius around the temple premises, where people of all caste, creed and religion, gather in open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices etc.
This ten-day event begins on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February–March) and concludes with a night sacrifice known as Kuruthitharpanam. On the ninth day, which is the Pooram star in that same month, the Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam occurs. The central part of the city, approximately 8 kilometers from the temple area, where individuals from all social backgrounds and religions come together in open spaces, roads, commercial institutions, government offices, etc.