A day to celebrate the cattles that helps us.

Mattu Pongal is an integral part of the Pongal festivities. For some communities in Tamil Nadu, Mattu Pongal is the third and the last day of Pongal, while for the others, the celebrations conclude with Kanum Pongal on the fourth day. Nonetheless, Mattu Pongal is the day to pay ode to the cattle for assisting humans in the field of agriculture/other aspects of domestic life. Moreover, cows and bulls have played a pivotal role and have contributed immensely towards people's civilisational growth. Hence, it is a thanksgiving day of sorts.

People bath the cows and pray to the Gods to protect them from evil. Water fortified with sacred mantras is sprinkled on the cattle by immersing mango leaves in the pot. The cows and the bulls are then beautified with kumkum, turmeric, bells, flowers, anklets and other accessories. Even their horns are painted and decorated with bells.