Valasai, Tamil Nadu: Maattupongal or Pongal for the cows is the second day of Pongal festivities in Tamil Nadu. For the predominantly Hindu population in the state, this is also a chance to worship their sacred animal.
It’s the only day in the year that cows get pampered. Cows are bathed, decorated with colours and garlands, and fed the choicest food.
"These cows toil everyday for us. Whether we make them pull the plough or a bullock cart, they do everything we say. We thank them for that on this day,” says R Durai, a resident of Valasai, near Madurai.
"The cow is our God. We give the cows two days of rest and worship them,” says another resident, Deviam.
Pongal festivities in Madurai culminate tomorrow with the much-awaited Jallikattu – the taming of the bull.
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