THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As devotees bustled about, caught in the ‘pongala fever’ at the Attukal temple premises on Tuesday, Smitha Titus walked slowly, wedging her arm in her brother’s. Binu, younger to Smitha, was speaking intently, explaining the different sounds, the different sights and she concocted her own impressions from what was being said. She would occasionally pause to listen keenly to the sounds.  Smitha is visually impaired. She was at the Attukal temple to soak in the festive spirit. “I was told the story of Kannaki long ago and was intrigued by it. I would listen to the pongala commentary every year and this time I decided to come here when Binu told me he was going. It’s been a great experience,” she said.  Smitha is an assistant teacher at the government school for blind in the city. She feels that being visually impaired gives her an edge as she can feel things on another level. Although Smitha had heard a lot about the Attukal temple, she never got an opportunity to visit it. Smitha could be seen taking videos on her phone helped by her brother. ‘’I have been sharing the festive spirit on facebook with my friends,” Smitha added with a laugh.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/thiruvananthapuram/Soaking-in-the-Feeling/2016/02/24/article3293291.ece