KHMN Joyfully Celebrates the Divine Attukal Pongala at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota
The Kerala Hindus of Minnesota (KHMN) celebrated the auspicious Attukal Pongala with great devotion and enthusiasm at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota on March 8, 2025. This sacred ritual, a testament to unwavering faith and devotion, brought together our community to honor Attukal Bhagavathy, the Divine Mother.
Attukal Pongala, often referred to as the Sabarimala for women, is one of the most revered temple festivals in Kerala, traditionally observed at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The ritual, performed exclusively by women, involves the preparation and offering of Pongala Naivedyam, a sweet dish made of rice, jaggery, and coconut, cooked in earthen pots as an expression of gratitude and devotion.
This year, thirty-three dedicated devotees participated in the Pongala ritual, meticulously following all the sacred traditions, while a large number of KHMN family volunteers lent their unwavering support to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the event. The Pongala Naivedyam was lovingly prepared by the participating ladies and was reverently offered at the Meenakshi Devi Sannidhi within the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, sanctifying the atmosphere with divine blessings.
The celebration was further enriched by a special puja and soulful renditions of Devi Bhajans, filling the temple with divine vibrations and deep spiritual energy. The rhythmic beats of the Chenda team added to the sacred ambiance, making this occasion truly unforgettable.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this Attukal Pongala celebration a spiritually fulfilling and safe experience. A special thanks to Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN), the Chenda team, our devoted volunteers, and the cherished KHMN family for their collective efforts in upholding and nurturing our cherished traditions.
As we continue to celebrate and share the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Kerala in Minnesota, events like these serve as a bridge between our past and present, ensuring that our faith and traditions thrive for generations to come. May Attukal Amma’s divine grace continue to bless us all!
KHMN Celebrates Dhanumasa Thiruvathira – A Tribute to Kerala’s Rich Traditions in the USA
The Dhanumasa Thiruvathira celebration held on January 12, 2025, at the Chaska Community Center in Chaska, Minnesota, was a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to Kerala’s deep-rooted cultural heritage. This auspicious occasion, cherished by the Kerala Hindu community, was marked by devotion, tradition, and a strong sense of togetherness.
A highlight of the event was the graceful Thiruvathira Kali, performed by a group of talented women, capturing the essence of devotion and unity that this art form embodies. The rhythmic movements, synchronized to the soul-stirring melody of Thiruvathira songs, beautifully reflected the spirit of this sacred occasion.
No Thiruvathira celebration is complete without a feast, and this gathering was no exception. Attendees were treated to an array of traditional delicacies, including puzhukku, broken wheat kanji, koovapayasam, and ettangadi prasadam—all reminiscent of the flavors of Kerala, lovingly prepared and served in a true spirit of community.
This celebration was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of our cultural identity and traditions, carried forward with pride, even thousands of miles away from our homeland. The enthusiastic participation and warm reception by the community members underscored the significance of preserving and passing on these cherished traditions to future generations.
By hosting such cultural festivities in the USA, the Kerala Hindu community continues to strengthen its roots while embracing its place in a diverse and global society. The Dhanumasa Thiruvathira event in Chaska was a testament to the enduring spirit of our heritage, ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors lives on, no matter where we are in the world
Happy New Year 2025
Namaskaram,
KHMN Board wishes all its members a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year
As the new board begins its work for the 2025–2026 term, we are deeply committed to fostering unity, preserving our cultural and spiritual heritage, and serving our community with dedication. We are excited to build on the remarkable foundation laid by the founders of this organization and the dedication of previous boards. With this strong legacy as our guide, we embark on new initiatives that uphold the timeless values of Sanatana Dharma while addressing the evolving needs of our growing community.
Members involvement remains the cornerstone of our success. We encourage you to actively participate in our events, share your ideas, and join us in strengthening our collective bond. Together, we can celebrate our cherished traditions, nurture the next generation, and create a meaningful and lasting impact here in Minnesota.
Looking forward to an inspiring and fulfilling term ahead.
KHMN Board
KHMN Board elected for 2025 – 2026
A new board will take over the governance of KHMN Activities for 2025- 2026 time period starting January 1st 2025
Narayan Nair (President), Suja Nair(Vice President), Rekha Sreenikumar(General Secretary), Lekshmi Nair( Joint Secretary), Deepa Kolaseri Krishnadas (Treasurer), Shreeja Manoj(Director of Womens Forum), Anjana Nair (Director of Membership), Sunil Unnikrishnan (Director of Charity activities), Bhavya Sivaram(Director of Youth Activities)
KHMN & Whimsical wigs special charity initiative—making wigs for pediatric cancer patients!
On November 9th 2024 KHMN hosted a workshop aimed at supporting Whimsical Wigs, an inspiring organization that provides high-quality wigs to children undergoing cancer treatment. These children often face not only the physical toll of their illness but also the emotional impact of hair loss. Whimsical Wigs strives to restore confidence and a sense of normalcy by offering these children the opportunity to receive wigs that help them feel like themselves again.
The workshop was designed to raise both awareness and resources for this noble cause. Participants had the chance to learn more about the mission of Whimsical Wigs, understand the impact of cancer treatments on children, and discover ways to contribute, whether through donations, fundraising, or volunteering.
In addition to raising funds for the organization, the workshop featured various activities, including:
- Informative presentation on the significance of wigs in boosting the emotional well-being of young cancer patients.
- Creative sessions where participants could design or decorate cards to make the donations even more special.
By engaging the community, we came together to offer love, compassion, and support for these brave children. The workshop not only highlighted the importance of this cause but also demonstrated how small efforts can make a big difference in the lives of those who need it most.
We are grateful for all who attended and contributed so that we could make a donation of $500 as well, and we remain committed to supporting Whimsical Wigs in its mission to bring joy, dignity, and confidence to children fighting cancer
KHMN Donates $2,000 Each to Palium and Sewa International
KHMN is proud to announce a donation of $2,000 each to Palium and Sewa International in 2024, two organizations dedicated to making a meaningful impact in their respective communities. This wouldn’t have happened without our members’ help and support.
Palium focuses on providing palliative care and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring they receive the compassionate care they deserve. Their work is vital in enhancing the quality of life for patients and their families.
Sewa International, on the other hand, is committed to humanitarian efforts that address health, education, and disaster relief, empowering communities to thrive and overcome challenges.
These contributions reflect KHMN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote health and well-being, demonstrating our dedication to social responsibility. We believe that together we can create a lasting positive impact in the lives of those in need. Thank you all for your ongoing support.
