COIMBATORE: I have attended dog shows and equestrian events frequently. But for the first time I was invited to attend a livestock show with the focus being on country cattle. This was organized for the second consecutive year at Pollachi by the Vanavarayar Foundation.
The event was held over three days. It is an opportunity for livestock owners to not only bring the best of their herd to be showcased but also to mingle with other farmers. After an early lunch I reached the venue . A large open space filled with coconut palms and grass fields carried a festive air. A banner declared that it was the “Kongu Nattu Kaalnadai Thiruvizha” . There were tents and shamianas, and the first thing that caught our eye was an impressive Kangyam bull sitting down to his meal. Nearby was a beautiful old traditional wooden carriage, the kind used as transport back then.
There were many stalls exhibiting agricultural wares, including native varieties of seeds with instructions on how to cultivate them. Innovations in agricultural implements were put up for exhibition and sale. There was a range of milking machines on display too.
Out in the open was a visual feast. I had never before seen such a remarkable variety of cows, bulls and buffaloes. The ones that evidently dominated the scene were the prized Kangyam studs. One could sense the pride in their owners as they groomed them lovingly.
The coats were glossy, the horns gleamed like polished wood and the colours were just stunning. We just stood there and stared at all that magnificence.
As we walked past admiring the line up of cattle, we heard loud rattling and neighing. The great big stallions had arrived and even the cows seemed to sense the excitement in the air!
There was so much to see – two young bulls locking horns, a grim faced big horned ram decorated with bells and brightly coloured threads, large angry cockrels spoiling for a fight…
We also saw how the sales were conducted and how the teeth, skin and horns of the animals are checked to see if they are well taken care of.
Then there was a dance troupe where for the first time I saw only men doing the kummi attam and the kolaattam. Their natural rhythm which kept time to loudly sung country songs with only the small cymbals for accompaniment was so graceful. Next came the urumi attam dancers with the powerful sounds of the urumi filling the air. The crowds grew larger as the sun set.
I lingered to chat with some of the other folk who have come with their families to enjoy this fair. They tell me that it’s a good way for people from neighbouring villages and farms to get together. It also helps the youngsters to bond and understand the ways of the land. I leave the fair grounds, promising myself I will back again for it, next year.