The Attukal Pongala festival in Thiruvananthapuram is known for:

Mass preparation of rice porridge by women devotees
Traditional boat races
Grand elephant processions
Colorful folk dances

The correct answer is: A) Mass preparation of rice porridge by women devotees.

The Attukal Pongala festival is a Hindu festival celebrated in the month of Makaram (February–March) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. It is one of the largest women-only festivals in the world. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of the goddess Durga.

The main event of the festival is the mass preparation of rice porridge (pongala) by women devotees. The porridge is cooked in a traditional earthen pot over a fire. The women sing devotional songs and dance while they cook the porridge. The porridge is then offered to the goddess Bhadrakali.

The festival also includes other events such as traditional boat races, grand elephant processions, and colorful folk dances.

Here is a brief description of each option:

  • Option A: Mass preparation of rice porridge by women devotees. This is the main event of the festival and is what the festival is known for.
  • Option B: Traditional boat races. These are held on the banks of the Karamana River.
  • Option C: Grand elephant processions. These are held on the streets of Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Option D: Colorful folk dances. These are performed by women and children.