Pongal the Festival of Tamil Nadu

The Tamil month of MARGAZHI, parallel mostly with December and running on to the 12th January, is measured by the Tamil People to be a Detrimental month. In ancient times, it was the month in which all kinds of outbreaks like cholera, fever and small pox are theoretical to occur. That is why people of Tamil Nadu Calls this month as unhealthful and non promising month. The last day of this Tamil month is pragmatic as a festive day by the Tamilians in India in thanking to the God that the worst month has ended.

The feast is called the BOGI PANDIGAI. This feast is honor of Indira, the king of Heavens, the lord of the clouds, rain etc. Bogi is a feast of delight on account of relief from the catastrophic month of Margazhi. The Bogi is also the day of the year in which all the old utensils of house holds are replaced by new ones.

Next day to the Mattupongal there comes the KANUMPONGAL. This celebration is nothing but spending time with family in some outer places. Visiting beaches, tourist spots, or relative houses, elderly people to get their blessings, temples for prayers etc.

This day is also called as THIRUVALLUVAR DAY. In remembrance of the Great saint, poet Thiruvalluvar Government of Tamil Nadu announced this day as Thiruvalluvar Day

From this day onwards the Jallikattu begins in various places.

A 28 year old famer was gored to death and 27 others sustained injuries at the Jallikattu held as part of the Pongal Celebrations at BUDALUR in Thanjavur District on Jan 16th 09. At the famous Palamedu Jallikattu, over 75 were injured, four of them critically, trying to ride the humps of ferocious bulls as they charged out of their enclosure in to the specially prepared arena, with spectators including several foreigners for the eagerly awaited annual show. Also, 50 young men were hurt, 20 of them badly, while trying to tame the bulls at the Jallikattu in Suriyur near Trichy. There are so many Jallikattu centers to be conducted in various places of Tamil Nadu.

The Supreme Court of India, on 30th Jan, 09 put the brakes on the ancient, traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal Celebrations, saying guidelines to prevent cruelty against animals have been violated. A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said and directed the District Collectors in the state "not to give any more permission" for holding Jallikattu.

The interim ban on the traditional Tamil sport Jallikattu imposed by the top-court has drawn flak from the villagers, organizers and lovers of the sport.

The verdict has hurt the sentiments of Tamils. Jallikattu is not only a sport but also part of the temple festivals in the State. It is associated with the tradition and religious beliefs in this part of the country.

At the Mariamman Temple in Thennalur in Pudukottai Dt., has arranged for the event on Feb 11 as part of its temple festival. Its Trustee T.Senthil Kumar said, "The sport is conducted in keeping with the belief of villagers. If it is not held, it will invite the wrath of the village deities. So we will go ahead with the event at any cost.