Maattu Pongal
Pongal
- On Mattu Pongal, people give a bath to their cattle and their horns are painted and decorated with radiating metal caps. Flower garlands, tinkling bells, and multi-colored beads are tied in their necks. The cattle owners sprinkle saffron water with mango leaves on the cows and offer prayers to protect them from all evils. They worship Lord Krishna and Lord Indra for the growth and prosperity of their cattle population. People worship the cows by touching their foreheads and feet. This is followed by an ‘aarti’.
- ‘Manji Virattu’ or ‘Jallikattu’ that is an important village sport also forms an integral part of Mattu Pongal celebrations. This activity is observed with full expectations and enthusiasm in the villages of Tamil Nadu. In Jallikattu, young men in the village chase fierce bulls to grab the money tied in their horns. It is observed during the evening of Mattu Pongal day whereas in a few villages it is held on Kaanum Pongal, a day following Mattu Pongal.
