Mattu Pongal

Tamil

Also known as: Mattu Pongal, Cattle Pongal

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2026 Tamil Date

Mattu Pongal

About Mattu Pongal

Mattu Pongal is the third day of the four-day Pongal festival, dedicated to the worship of cattle. It falls on the day after Thai Pongal in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February).

Farmers decorate their cattle with colourful beads, bells, and ornaments, and offer special prayers. The day honours the role of cattle in agriculture and prosperity.

In Tamil Nadu, bullock races and cattle processions are organised. Families prepare festive meals and visit relatives to exchange greetings and sweets.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Mattu Pongal is a festive day of cattle worship and family gatherings.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Decorate cattle with ornaments and coloured beads.
Offer special food to cattle and worship them.
Prepare festive meals with newly harvested crops.
Visit relatives and exchange Pongal greetings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why are cattle worshipped on Mattu Pongal?

Cattle are essential to agriculture. Mattu Pongal honours their contribution to farming and prosperity, treating them as sacred members of the household.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.