Beauty parade for Cows and Bulls in Bangalore

By Jaikumar/ K.G Vasuki

Trichy/ Bangalore, Jan 17 : People at Basavanagudi Village in Bangalore, celebrated Sankranti in a unique and unconventional way by organising a fashion show of cows and bulls.

The fashion show was organised by Radio Mirchi, a popular FM channel who plan it to make it bigger in future.

"This festival Sankranti, people decorate their cows everywhere, but we thought we'll call it a fashion show, so that people get to know that we need to respect our tradition. I am very happy that Basavanagudi people have shown fantastic response and we plan it to make it bigger," said Avinash, Radio Jockey.

Around 40 cattle as models walked on ramp in their brightest wardrobes like bling sarees and shawls, jewellery, colour balloons, ribbons, and paper streamers. The youngest participant to scorch the floor was a seven day old, cute calf.

Enthusiastic owners trying hard to clinch the title were seen decorating their cows with best of the costumes. But the crown fell on the crowd pullers 'Satyabhama' and 'Krishna' dressed as bride and bridegroom.

"It's altogether a new Makar Sankranti and it has been a different way. Usually we go to relatives houses and celebrate by sharing sweets. But this time it's been actually with cows. It's awesome, "said Sindu, owner of the winning cattle.

The Pongal for cows festival is part of the harvest festival celebrated as Pongal in the south on the occasion of Makar Sankrati marking the northward journey of the sun as it enters a new zodiac which coincides with the beginning of longer days of sunlight.

Meanwhile People in Tamil Nadu, celebrated "Mattu Pongal" (Pongal for cows) with traditional gaiety and fervour.

Mattu Pongal is a day when cattle are given a well deserved day of rest and are given pride of place. The farmers honour their cattle by celebrating the second day of Pongal as thanks-giving day for bringing in prosperity to them. They offer prayers to bulls, cows and other farm animals.

The cattle are washed, their horns are painted and covered with shining metal aps. Multi-colored beads, tinkling bells, sheaves of corn and flower garlands are tied around their necks. Women apply turmeric and vermilion paste on the animals and garland them.

"There are over 200 cows in this shelter. We bath them and paint their horns. We put noose in their nose then we worship them and offer Pongal (religious food). We perform the same rituals year after year to mark the Pongal festival," said Krishnan, a resident.

Pongal or the Harvest Festival is celebrated by way of paying tribute to various elements like the Sun, the Nature and cattle for helping them with a rich harvest.

ANI