Mattu Pongal

Hindu festival

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Mattu Pongal is the third day of the four-day Pongal harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, and by the Tamil diaspora worldwide. This day is dedicated to honoring and worshipping cattle, recognizing their vital role in agriculture and ensuring a good harvest.12

Cows are bathed, adorned with painted horns and flower garlands, and paraded in ceremonial processions. They are also allowed to graze freely. In some regions, a traditional bull-taming sport called jallikattu is practiced, where participants attempt to control a released bull.2

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Pongal
Mattu Pongal
The third day of Pongal honors and worships cattle (Tamil: mattu) for their important role in farming. Cows are honored for their contribution to a good harvest. They are bathed, decorated, and worshipped on this day. Their horns are painted, and they are…
Read More
The third day of Pongal honors and worships cattle (Tamil: mattu) for their important role in farming. Cows are honored for their contribution to a good harvest. They are bathed, decorated, and worshipped on this day. Their horns are painted, and they are…
Read More