The annual Pongala Maholasavam of the Sree Puthiyakavu Bhagawathy temple will be held on March 14, said temple officials here on Tuesday. Chief priest N. Balamurali will light the nilavilakku in front of the sanctum sanctorum, followed by the pongala and manjaneerattu ritual. On March 11, ‘padukka samarpanam,’ a ritual offering fruits to the deity, will be held. On pongala day, the fire from the pandara aduppu will be passed on to other hearths. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in pongala. Following the manjaneerattu ritual, the sanctification ceremony will commence, during which priests will splash holy water over pongala offerings. After the sanctification ceremony, ‘Shaktikumbham ezhunallappu’ will start at 5 p.m. while mangala guruthi offering, the last ritual of the festival, will be held at 1 a.m. Kollam city will be divided into 50 blocks for setting up hearths while 500 male volunteers and 300 female volunteers will be present to assist the devotees. The service of the Health department, Kerala Water Authority, Kollam Corporation, police, Fire and Rescue Services and private hospitals will also be made available. Officials have ensured the provision for food and water while a team of doctors and paramedics will also be present. According to temple officials, elaborate arrangements have been made for the festival including the provision for food.