15 January 2017 is Mattu Pongal. Mattu Pongal is the third day of Pongal celebrations in Tamil Nadu.
In Tamil, the word “Mattu” means bull and this day of Pongal is for celebration of the cattle, particularly bulls that play a vital role by working hard to help the farmers to raise crops on their fields, falls on the following day, 15 January. The festival is also observed by ethnic Tamil population of Sri Lanka.
The festival is an occasion when the fresh harvests from the fields are shared in the form of food and sweets not only with the community but also with animals and birds. It also represents the change of season.
An important village sport, called the Jallikattu or ‘Manji Virattu’’, an integral part of the Mattu Pongal festival is observed with enthusiasm and expectations in the villages of Tamil Nadu. This sport is held generally in the evening of the Mattu Pongal day. In the past, it was the day when fierce bulls were chased by young youths of the village to retrieve the money that was tied to the horns of the bulls. In some villages it was held one day after the Mattu Pongal day, on the Kannum Pongal day.
There are agitations going on the Supreme Court’s ban of Jallikattu.
Panchang, 15 January 2017
Suryodayam (Sunrise) 07:14 Suryastamaya (Sunset) 17:58
Chandrodayam (Moonrise)21:03 Chandrastama (Moonset)09:14
Today’s Panchangam
Paksha (Fortnight) Krishna Paksha
Tithi (Lunar Day) Tritiya – 11:39
Nakshatra Magha – 22:44
Yoga Ayushman – 14:23
Karana Bava – 23:21
Today’s Panchang
Purnimanta Month Maagha
Amavasyanta Month Paush
Shaka Samvatsara: Durmukhi
Vikram Samvat Varsha: Saumya
Rahu Kalam: 16:38 – 17:58
Gulika Kalam: 15:17 – 16:38
Yama Gandam: 12:36 – 13:57
Today’s Rashi
Ravi Rashi (Sun Sign) Makara
Chandra Rashi (Moon Sign) Simha
Auspicious Time
Amrita Kalam 20:21 – 21:56
Abhijit: 12:15 – 12:57
Time to Avoid
Varjyam Kalam 30:55* – 32:33*
Durmuhurthams: 16:32 – 17:15