15 January 2026 is Kanuma festival. Kanuma is the third day of four-day Sankranthi festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana and some parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Govardhana Puja or Go puja (worship of cows) is the major ritual during Kanuma. It is believed that Lord Sri Krishna was lifted the Govardhana parvatham (Mount Govardhan) to save the farmers and people of Gokulam. Read more about Kanuma festival here..
Kanuma festival is celebrated as Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the cattle. This is the third day of four-day Pongal festival.
Significance and Practices
-
Kanuma honors cattle for their role in agriculture and rural life, recognizing their importance in farming and prosperity.
-
Farmers bathe and decorate their cattle with ornaments and paint their horns brightly. The cattle are then taken to temples for special prayers and rituals seeking their health and protection.
-
The festival commemorates the divine intervention of Lord Krishna, who lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers and their cattle from a severe flood, symbolizing gratitude and respect for nature.
-
Bullfights and cattle showcases, often symbolic and non-lethal, are prominent features of the celebrations in rural areas.
-
Kanuma fosters community bonding with traditional attire, festive foods like pongal, exchange of gifts, and social gatherings.
Date
-
Kanuma is typically celebrated on the third day of Makar Sankranti festivities, which in 2026 falls on January 15.
In summary, Kanuma is a vibrant cultural festival dedicated to cattle worship, celebrating their agricultural importance and the protective myths surrounding Lord Krishna, marked with elaborate rituals, community festivities, and symbolic contests.