and continues for next three days of the Tamil month Thai. The first day of Pongal is ‘Bhogi’ when people clean their houses. The second day is celebrated as ‘Surya Pongal’ in the honor of Lord Sun when a delicacy named ‘Chakkara Pongal’ made from rice and jaggery is prepared and homes are decorated with Kolam designs. ‘Mattu Pongal’ is the third day when cattle are ceremonially bathed and adorned with flowers and beads. ‘Kaanum Pongal’, the fourth day of this festival is the day of meeting relatives and friends. On this day the agricultural labourers are honored.
Jallikkattu is a native version of bullfight which is held on the forth day of Pongal festival. Audacious men risk their lives and try to bring the violent bulls under control. Either gold or money is tied to the horns of the bulls and the victor gets it all. In ancient times the competition of Jallikkattu was organized even to select the most worthy groom for the most sought after belle of the town. Getting injured and occasional deaths are common in this sport and yet teenagers, youngsters as well as middle aged men participate in this dangerous game with unmatchable enthusiasm and valor. The bulls let loose in this traditional sport are specially fed and reared for the occasion of Jallikkattu.
Natyanjali Festival is a four days long festival that is celebrated in the month of February or March. This festival commences from the day of Mahashivratri and is celebrated in the honor of Lord Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva and the God of dancers. On the occasion of Natyanjali Festival, dancers from every corner of the country gather at Kodaikanal and pay their homage at the feet of Lord Nataraja by performing various dances.
Chithirai Festival named after the Tamil month Chithirai is a ten days traditional festival celebrated in the month of April. The central and most important event of this religion based festival is the procession of
