Preservation at its best: Mattu Pongal celebrations at Isha bring Native cattle breeds to spotlight

An exhibition of 23 native cattle breeds uniquely displayed the world’s shortest and tallest traditional cattle breed at Isha here on Monday. Mattu Pongal, one of the most important festivals in Tamil culture, was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Isha on Monday. Celebrations on the auspicious day included an exhibition of 23 native cattle breeds from various Indian states and cultural performances in front of the iconic Adiyogi.

• A total of 23 breeds, including the Kangeyam, Kangrej, Gir, Ongol, Tharpaarkar, Thondai maadu, Vecchur, and Umbalaacheri breeds, are on display
• Isha with an aim to preserve the traditional cattle breeds has been taking care of more than 600 cows and bulls from various states, such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, etc
• The exhibition will be open for all tomorrow, January 17, as well. Entry is free

An exhibition that showcased the native cattle breeds, stressing the need for the protection of these endangered breeds, emerged as the main feature of the festivities. A total of 23 breeds, including the Kangeyam, Kangrej, Gir, Ongol, Tharpaarkar, Thondai maadu, Vecchur, and Umbalaacheri breeds, were on display. The origins of these breeds and their distinct features were explained at the exhibition. Uniquely, the world’s shortest and tallest traditional cattle breeds were on display, drawing the immediate attention of the visitors.

Hundreds of people joined the celebrations, including tribal, local villagers, farmers, Isha volunteers, including foreigners, and visitors, and participated in making the Pongal in mud pots. This was followed by an offering of Pongal, sugarcane, and Navadaniyams to the native cattle varieties that are reared at Isha.

Isha with an aim to preserve the traditional cattle breeds has been taking care of more than 600 cows and bulls from various states, such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, etc., for many years now.

The exhibition will be open for all tomorrow, January 17, as well. Entry is free.