Mattu Pongal 2025: The third day of the Pongal celebrations - Mattu Pongal is a significant event in Tamil Nadu, observed on the second day of the Thai month. This day is dedicated to honouring cattle, particularly bulls, for their vital role in agriculture. The word 'mattu' in Tamil means 'bull', and on this day, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the new harvest and welcome the new season. Mattu Pongal is a time for unity, transcending caste, creed, and other divisions. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm not only in Tamil Nadu but also in neighbouring states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, showcasing the importance of cattle in agriculture and rural life.
- Mattu Pongal 2025 Date: 15th January 2025, Wednesday
- Mattu Pongal Sankranti Moment: 09:03 AM, 14th January 2025
- Sunrise: 07:14 AM
- Sunset: 05:57 PM
- Moonrise: 07:28 PM
- Moonset: 08:58 AM
Mattu Pongal is a celebration dedicated to cattle, with the word 'mattu' meaning 'bull' and 'Pongal' signifying 'prosperity'. This festival marks the beginning of the paddy harvest, acknowledging the vital role of cattle in agriculture. According to Hindu legends, Mattu Pongal is linked to the story of Lord Shiva and his bull, Nandi. This day also features the traditional bull-taming sport, 'Jallikattu' or 'Manji Virattu'The celebration of Mattu Pongal is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to livestock, particularly cows and bulls. In India, these animals hold a revered place in society, as cows provide nourishment through milk and bulls assist farmers in ploughing the land for cultivation. By honouring cattle, people acknowledge their dependence on these animals for their livelihood and express their appreciation for their hard work and contributions.
During Pongal, people thoroughly clean and decorate their homes with vibrant kolams in the front yard. The kolam designs vary each day, featuring pictures of rice, the Sun God, and livestock, including bulls.
On Mattu Pongal, cattle owners pamper their animals by giving them a bath, painting their horns, and adorning them with decorative metal caps, flower garlands, and colourful beads. They also sprinkle saffron water with mango leaves on the cows and offer prayers to protect them from harm. The owners worship Lord Krishna and Lord Indra, seeking their blessings for the growth and prosperity of their cattle
A special dish called 'Sakkar Pongal' is prepared on Mattu Pongal, made from moong dal, cooked rice, dry fruits and jaggery. This sweet dish is first offered to the cows and then distributed among the people as 'cattle prasad'. Additionally, Tamils worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha during the Pongal celebrations, offering various rice dishes to their deities.
The village sport of 'Manji Virattu' or 'Jallikattu' is an integral part of Mattu Pongal celebrations. Young men in the village enthusiastically participate in this activity, chasing fierce bulls to grab the money tied to their horns. This thrilling event is usually held on the evening of Mattu Pongal or on Kaanum Pongal, the following day
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