The traditional ‘Mattu Pongal’ was celebrated with fervour and gaiety inillages across the district on Friday.
As part of the celebrations, farmers prepared sweet pongal and thanked the God for the harvest.
Apart from it, cows, bulls and cattle that are used in agricultural activities were also worshipped. The cows and bulls are bathed and their horns were painted with colours and they are offered bananas and sweet pongal. Also, turmeric powder was applied on the animals apart from tinkling bells and garlands tied around the neck.
“It is a day to thank the Almighty and the nature and to show respect,” said Moorthy, a farmer.
Despite income out of agriculture declining, “we continue to celebrate it in a grand manner as it’s the only celebration for farmers,” he added.
Farmers said that though tractors have replaced bulls in ploughing the field, bulls are still considered to be gods. They expressed apprehension over farmland being converted into housing plots and the traditional sweet pongal being prepared in pressure cookers by the present generations.
“It is said that agriculture is losing sheen. But situation will come when all need to depend on agriculture for food,” they added.
Cultural programmes and competitions were conducted in many villages in which women and children participated in large numbers.
Most of the events were organised by youths in the villages where small events were conducted and prizes distributed.
“It is participation and acknowledgement by the crowd that keeps us happy,” said M. Lalitha, a participant in singing competition.
As part of celebrations, farmers prepared sweet pongal
