IndiaGayle: Temples and gods... in South India


Temple in Chennai

Nandi Cow or Holy Cow

India has 30 percent of the world's cattle. The cow is holy and is the symbol of the earth as it gives so much and asks nothing in return. When we were kids, the Nandi cow would come by with it's owner and you could pay and ask the cow a question and it would nod it's head as a yes or no. The nandi cow is considered to be a type of fortune teller in this respect. The funny thing is that both the yes and no nod is the same really...


Pongal-Celebration of the harvest-A small alter at a friend's home

"Pongal is a popular harvest festival in South India. Named after a sweet rice dish, Pongal starts on January 14 of each year. The celebration lasts for three days. On the first day, Pongal is offered to Bhogi or Indran (the rain gods) for providing rain for the harvest. On the second day, pongal is offered to the sun (Surya). On the third day, the family's cattle (mattu) is cleaned and dressed up with flowers, bells, and color powder. This is the day to honor the cattle's hard work for plowing the fields.
Festivities vary in different regions. Some families clean their houses and throw away old clothes. But the main activity involves people from the entire village. Neighbors get together for a community feast to share their crops and give thanks to all who have contributed to a successful harvest. " (Wikipedia)

Pongal Street Celebration

We saw hundreds of cows painted and in a field with quite a few of musical bands playing music to celebrate the cows. It looked like there was also some trading and buying of cows at the field during this festival.