What is Mattu Pongal?, மாட்டுப் பொங்கல், Significance of Mattu Pongal, Mattu Pongal Importance
Mattu Pongal
Third day of the Pongal festival is known as Mattu Pongal. This day is dedicated to worship the cow and bulls. On this day cattle’s are washed, horns are painted with colors and decorated beautifully. Grlands are tied around their necks and Aarti is offered to them. Pongal is also offered to the cattle’s on Mattu Pongal day.
Mattu Pongal is celebrated on the second day of the Thai month. Every year mattu Pongal falls almost on the same day. Because this festival is celebrated according to solar calender. every year, it is observed on the 15th January (sometimes on 16th January).
Mattu Pongal Story
Mattu Pongal Kathai, Legend of Mattu Pongal, Mattu Pongal Katha
On the Mattu Pongal day, God Shiva, Godess Parvati and Lord Ganesh are worshiped. They offered Pongal as naivedayam during the puja. there is a Story behind mattu pongal celebrations and worshiping cattles. God shiva asked his bull Basava to go to the earth and tell the humans to have oil bath daily and eat once a month. Inadvertently, Basava told that everyone should eat daily and have an oil bath once a month. God Shiva got angry about this and cursed basava for his mistake. Due to that curse Basava remained on the earth and helping people in the farm.
Mattu Pongal celebrations
On the mattu pongal day, people wash their cattles and paint the horns and cover them with the metal caps. Also apply kungumam (kumkum) on their foreheads, tie different types of beads and bells. People perform puja and Aarti to the cattles. Also offer pongal as food for them. In some places Jallikattu ritual is performed.
