Why Jallikattu ? - Ancient Tamil sport marked in Indus Valley!!

        Jallikattu - meaning - Embracing the bull in Tamil. This game is played for ages to save the native breeds of bulls from extinction. In India, we have only humped bulls and all the humpless ones are from foreign countries. Out of these humped bulls, Kangeyam and Pullikulam breeds are the most famous ones for the game jallikattu. 

        There are many variants of Jallikattu. Out of which, 'Vadi  Manjuvirattu' is renowned one during the day of mattu pongal (second day of pongal). Usually in this Jallikattu game, bulls will come out of 'Vaadi Vaasal' (a gate through which bull enters into the competition area) with a high speed. At a time, more than one person should not touch the bull, if anyone tries to harm / provoke the bull, they will be disqualified from the game. Before the game begins, each bull and every contestant of this game should go through a proper medical checkup. Once, the doctor declares a fitness certificate for both the bull and the contestant, then they will be allowed to participate in the game. 

        There are many rules for this game, the person who participates in the competition should be physically fit, at a time only one person should hold the hump, those who touch the tail, horns, neck of the bull are disqualified from the game etc. As a tradition, first kovil kaalai (temple bull) will come out of the gate and the players will allow it for a free run, they will not touch the bull.

Now, why this Jallikattu game is needed now? 

        This game is not needed for humans, this game is practiced for ages, in order to preserve our country breeds from extinction. How??  Only with the genes of stud bulls, stronger calves will be given birth, thus in order to preserve the genes of our vedic bull breeds, this practise is being followed for many generations. 

        How do we have stud bulls ?? only by feeding food and maintaining them? Can we humans, be stronger only by eating and taking rest? Stud bulls should be agile, alert and virile. In the peak of the reproductive period, the necessary male hormones needs to be secreted, pumping hearts and adrenaline rushes. 

            When the stud bulls enters into the vadi vaasal with much force and speed, their testosterone level increases,  when the humans tries to control the bull, in a agile it will give back the force and due to which their hear pumps faster and there will be an increase in hormone levels.  It is the game for bravery of a man and the bull. The one who holds bull's hump for 20 - 30 seconds, without harming it will be declared as a winner.  A bull will be there in the game arena  for max 40 seconds.

        When the bull wins in the competition (meaning - no one couldn't control the bull), then it will be taken directly to the cows of the temple for mating. As per our science, it is believed that after this competition, bulls will have complete power and the calves will have the best genes with more power and strength. Only our vedic humped cow gives A2 milk. The A2 milk produced by our Indian cows are good for health, where as the A1 milk from the cross breeds or humpless cows are toxic for health. A2 milk is having more micro nutrients and minerals which enhances our immunity system.

Significance of Humped Cows

    Our native cows and bulls have hump. This hump is unique and holds the secret of goodness. Only humped cows gives A2 milk, all the humpless ones gives A1 milk. This purity and goodness can be seen in all product of humped cows, such as milk, cow urine (gomutra), cow dung etc.  

 

        In hinduism, a cow and calf should be entered first into the newly constructed home, which symbolically means that gods and divinity entered into their home. Also, during the construction of the home, many living beings such as insects, plants, grass would have been killed. So in order to purify oneself from this sin, homam / yagna will be performed by pandits at home and to purify the home, gomutra will be sprinkled everywhere in the house. Native cow breed is used for this occasion, only humped cows represents goodness and auspiciousness. So its a procedure that cow and calf should enter into the home first. Cow's gomutra is used to purify the home, this gomutra of humped cows doesn't smell bad unlike humpless ones. In India, native cows and bulls have special place in our traditions. 

        In olden days, cow dung is used to sanitise the floors. It is also used to cover the outer walls of the houses, to keep the house cool and also to absorb the harmful radiations from entering into their home. That's the power of humped cows. 

Why only the humped cows are pure and auspicious ?

        Humped cows has a unique and divine channel (Nadi) from the hump till the backbone of the cow. This nadi is the reason for secretion of purity in cows. For this reason that our native breeds are special, unique and pure.

     This Nadi will be there only in Indian native bulls. This channel is the secret for A2 milk and it is the powerhouse of purity. We Indians, worship cows and bulls. We believe that there are many gods and goddess in the form of cows and bulls.

     On a year, our vedic humped cows gives 3 times more milk than the humpless cows. One should not calculate the number of litres of milk in a day, one should calculate the number of litres of milk produced in a YEAR. Today Brazil is minting money by selling humped desi bull's semen, which they have taken from India. 

        If this Jallikattu sport is stopped, the agile and stud genes of our native bulls will become extinct and as a result, we would not be having A2 milk, medicinal Gomutra and cow dungs of our cows. When the native cows and bulls becomes extinct, we have to depend on foreign countries for their cow breeds to get useless toxic A1 milk. This is the main reason for banning Jallikattu. For more information about Jallikattu and importance of bulls in world's history, reach out to,

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2018/01/jallikattu-importance-of-native-indian.html

From the history of Indus valley civilisation....

        There are some seals unearthed from Banawali, an Indus Valley site. They are - Bull leaping form of non violent bull fighting seals and images were identified. Refer the below picture,

        

        Jallikattu is a traditional and oldest sport of Tamizh people followed for many millennium years in all the places where the Tamizh people had settled. 

For more information about bulls in Indus valley civilisation, reach out to,

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2020/12/kumari-kandam-part-5-pre-indus-valley.html

Jallikattu around the World

       Bali's harvest festival in Indonesia is very similar to Pongal festival in India. Both these festivals does not occur at the same time, due to its climatic conditions. But, the rituals followed in these harvest festivals, its traditions and celebrations are very similar.  

    

        A famous part of this festival is the Negara Bull Races. This bull race is similar to Jallikattu. Negara bull races are held at Perancak, where the water buffaloes are decorated and raced along the streets. Refer the below picture..

        These bull races are held in different names in various regions of India, such as Jallikattu and Rekla race in Tamil Nadu, Bail Gadi Shariat in Maharastra, Maramadi in Kerala and Kambala in Karnataka.

For more information about harvest festival around the world and the significance of Pongal, reach out the below post,

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2021/01/pongal-oldest-harvest-festival-in-world.html

        Jallikattu was started by our ancestors thousand and thousands of years ago for a specific reason. It is not just a game, it is more about saving the human lives through the native cows and bulls. For a better human lives, we need to save the native breeds of bulls from extinction. It is a chain reaction, we humans and bulls coevolved at the same time. Bulls played significant role in domestication and agricultural aspects for many millenniums. It is the responsibility of our humans to save our native bulls, to understand the science behind our culture, traditions and to pass on this knowledge to the next generation for the betterment of the society!!

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Another important discovery which proves Indus Valley civilization of Pandya kings !!

Another important discovery which proves the role (rule) of Early Pandya kings in Indus Valley civilization !!

     Recent findings in Mariyapuram and Uthirakosamangai in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu are revealing another strong connection between Indus Valley civilization and ancient Tamizhakam. A government school teacher K Muniasamy, has discovered remnants of pottery near villages in Uthirakosamangai (Tamil nadu) with inscriptions similar to those excavated from the Indus Valley civilization region.

The teacher along with his students Aruldoss and Vishal have discovered several sherds of pottery near a tank in Mariyapuram’s excavation site and 20 of these potsherds contained ancient inscriptions. The red and black potsherds have  some symbols engraved on it which is similar to those used by the Indus Valley people to depict numbers.

Potsherds with inscriptions similar to the Indus Valley scripts have been discovered in Uthirakosamangai in Ramanathapuram.

https://m.timesofindia.com/city/madurai/potsherds-with-inscriptions-similar-to-indus-valley-found-in-tamil-nadu/amp_articleshow/81491368.cms

        Over the years, they had identified interesting artefacts including a microlithic tool, rouletted ware, black and red potsherds, iron ore, iron slag, hopscotches, terracotta stands, perforated potsherds, a spout of a terracotta kettle, lids, and even a broken piece of deer horn. This archaeological mound is spread over about 20 acres.

        Out of the 20 potsherds, 15 are black and red potsherds and five are red potsherds having signs similar to the numbers ‘125’, ‘137’, ‘365’ of the Indus Valley inscriptions. 

The number ‘125’ also looked like the letter ‘tha’ in Tamil Brahmi script, t

he number ‘365’ looked like a trident with a spot and 

 ‘137’ looked like a multiplication symbol.

        A similar script was also found in Keeladi where the seventh phase of excavation is in underway. 

Where is this Keeladi and Uthirakosamangai ? How it is related to Pandya Kings of sangam age ?

Keeladi is situated near Madurai, it is a famous archeological place which is unearthing several evidences for Vaigai civilization of ancient tamizhakam. Madurai was the capital of Pandya kings during third tamizh sangam, which is several thousand years before around 2000 BCE.

Uthirakosamangai is a tiny hamlet known for the oldest temple of Lord Shiva, who is also called as Mangalanatha Swamy. It is one of the pre historic place in Ramanathapuram district, tamil nadu. This land is the most ancient place such that scholars refer this place using an idiom that 'Whether the land comes first or mangai (Goddess Parvati) comes first ?'. In tamizh, the idiom is, 'Mann mundhiyo, mangai mundhiyo '.

Both the places Uthirakosamangai and Keeladi were once ruled Pandya kings, where Madurai was served as a place for Tamizh sangam and Uthirakosamangai served as religious place.

        Uthirakosamangai is the place where Siva transferred the secrets of Vedas to Parvati. 

Uthiram - means upadesam / teaching, 

kosam - means secrets, 

mangai - means girl, here it refers to Goddess Parvati. 

        Hence this place is known as Uthira Kosa Mangai. This Shiva temple was built by Pandya kings and it is one their important religious places during sangam era. 

Uthirakosamangai temple

        This temple is a much older structure as it exists today. The temple houses a rare ancient 6 ft (1.8 m) tall maragatha Nataraja idol carved out of emerald. It is one of master piece of early tamizh people. First known emerald were mined in Egypt in 1500 BCE, but this idol was carved much before that. 

        One of the important property of Emerald is, it is susceptible to chipping and cracking. So, how did the ancient tamizh people had carved Lord Natarajar statue out of it without a single crack ? What was the technology used to carve during that time?

 In temple, usually there will be a vibration of bell sounds and drums sound, so this idol will be always covered with sandalwood paste for the protection. On special days such as, during Mahashivratri the paste from the Natarajar idol will be removed, priests will perform Abhishekam rituals for the idol and the original green colour emerald Natarajar will be shown to the people.

Emerald Natarajar

Why Emerald Natarajar ???

        Because, emerald has a property to enhance intuitions. The soft and calming colour of emerald will allow one to relax and it is a medium to know the truth about Lord Natarajar. 

To know more about Lord Natarajar and significance of his cosmic dance, reach out to

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2021/03/chidambara-ragasiyam-scientific-secret_11.html

        The Mangalanathaswamy Temple at Thiru Uthirakosamangai is considered the Kasi of the south. The ‘sthala virutcham’ (temple tree) in the temple is about 3,300 years old and this was proved in a research conducted by the State government. This proves that this place and temple us atleast 3500 years old, but actually it belongs to much earlier time i.e during second tamizh sangam period.

       Coming back to the topic, the entire tamizhakam was once ruled by Pandya kings, tamizh was spoken by all the people of Bharat, Pandyas had explored many places in the World. Sindhu river and its civilization is one of them. In my previous posts of Kumari kandam,  have explained about Indus valley civilization by culture, by language, by places and given many references such as meaning of 'Harappa', decoded seals, usage of fish and bull symbols, unique boats etc which proves that Pre Indus valley Civilization and Indus valley Civilization was survived by early Pandya Kings and tamizh people. 

    Reach out the post below, for more information about the Pre Indus Valley civilization and Pandya Kings. 

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2020/12/kumari-kandam-part-5-pre-indus-valley.html

          Thamizhakam, especially southern regions were called as 'Then pandi nadu', meaning Southern Pandya's state.  Uthirakosamangai was one of the religious center of Pandya kings, which is very near to their ancient important trading port 'Kabadapuram' / 'Korkai', which was flourished during the period of second tamizh sangam. It was famous for rich pearls and the king was called as 'Kapada Pandya' !

        Scholars have deciphered some of the Indus valley seals. One such seal had mentioned about kings name as 'Koodal Mannan' , ' Ko'. In tamizh, Madurai is called as 'koodal Nagaram' and the Pandya king who ruled Madurai is also known as koodal Mannan. 

    Koodal - means union / confluence of rivers , Mannan - means king. There is also a place called 'Kudal' in Pakistan, which is near Indus river. Hence, as I have mentioned in my previous posts, it's again and again proving that Indus valley region was ruled by tamizh Pandya kings !!

        Findings of ancient potsherd in Uthirakosamangai, historic Lord Shiva temple built by Pandya Kings, the major trading port near by, the rule of Pandya kings of Sangam era and the similar symbols of Indus Valley inscriptions in tamil nadu are the connecting dots. It is proved that ancient tamizhakam and Indus Valley civilization was once ruled by early Pandya Kings. Also, tamizh people have migrated from south to north and north western corridors, but not vice versa... 

Tamizh people were not descendants of Indus valley people. Truth is, Indus valley people were the descendants of tamizh people !! Tamizh civilization had spread across the world with prosperity and cultural enrichment !!

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan

Pongal - Oldest Harvest Festival in the World !!

Pongal - Oldest Harvest Festival in the World !!

        Pongal is one of the Oldest harvest festival in the World, which is being celebrated for several thousand years. It is an ancient winter harvest festival of people in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. The history of this festival can be traced back to  Sangam Age. Although, Pongal was originated as a Dravidian Harvest festival and it has been mentioned in Sanskrit Puranas and Tamil literatures. This post is all about History of Pongal festival, Why Pongal was prepared for this harvest festival and agricultural, harvest and celebration similarities  across the ancient civilizations of the World. 

        To Know about the significance, multiple days of celebration and pooja procedure of Pongal festival, reach out to
https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2018/01/happy-pongal-makar-sankranti.html

        Since this harvest festival falls in the month 'Thai' (10th month of tamil calendar, Makar - in Sanskrit), Historians identify this festival as 'Thai Un' and 'Thai Niradal' which are believed to have been celebrated during the Sangam Age. Thai Pongal which will be celebrated across Tamil Nadu in the month of January around 14, 15 16 (not fixed dates) as a thanks giving celebration to God  Indra and Lord Surya for providing favorable climatic conditions for paddy cultivation. God Indra for providing good seed and moderate rain, God Surya for providing the required solar energy and warmth which resulted better yield of crops.

       In addition to this harvest festival, Pongal is also prepared as prasadam for worshiping Kula Deivam / Kula Devata. Kula Deivam, is one family's Guradian Deity. Kulam / Kula - meaning lineage / clan, deivam / devata - meaning God. It is a strong belief among South Indians that worshiping kula deivam will save our family from all types of harms, evils and hindrances, and will also take care of our family. Every family will go together and visit their guardian deity at least once in an year and worship them by preparing 'Pongal' in the temple premises. Will pen down a separate detail post about Kula Deivam worship.

Pongal celebration at Temple

       In Some places, they also offer a portion of the yield by exhibiting Nellmudi and offer it to God Ayyanar. Ayyanar is Gramma devata, Village deity, he is worshiped for protecting the lands from all calamities.

Pongal Meaning

     Pongal meaning 'Overflowing' / 'boil over', signifying overflowing prosperity and happiness in the family and society as it's the harvest season. Pongal is also celebrated as Makar Sankranthi and Uttarayan in other parts of India. 'Uttarayan' is six month period where the Sun travels towards North, starting on this day

Why Pongal is prepared for this festival??

    Why Pongal has to be prepared for this harvest festival? Tamil Nadu is rich in Rice production. The delta region of Kaveri River is 'Thanjavur', also called as 'Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu' and regions near Tamirabarani river were named after Rice. Agriculture was the main vocation of the Tamils, It was considered as a necessity for life, hence was treated as the foremost among all occupations. the farmers or the Uzhavars were placed right at the top of the social classification. 

 

         As Rice and Sugarcane would be harvested in this season (Thai), in order to express gratitude to Gods, part of freshly yielded rice was offered to them as Prasad. Instead of giving raw rice, it was prepared as Prasadham in the form of Pongal. In an Earthenware pot, the newly harvested rice was cooked in rich milk and water. Milk signifies prosperity and purity, as the milk overflows, let the yields also overflow in this harvest season. The pot with milk will be placed facing east direction to God Surya, once it boiled and overflows from the pot, all the people / family members will shout "Pongalo Pongal !! Pongalo Pongal !!".

        In addition to Milk Pongal, Sweet Pongal will also be offered to God. For Sweet Pongal new rice and Moong Dal is cooked with milk and water, then Jaggery, ghee, nuts and cardamom will be added for sweetness and taste. Dal signifies Wealth, Jaggery signifies Happiness and ghee signifies Victory. This is the reason for the Pongal being prepared for the Harvest Festival, to offer some portions of the harvested yields to God in a sweet way. Along with Pongal, freshly harvested Sugarcane, Tumeric and Ginger plants are also kept as offer to Gods.

        A special puja is performed on the first day of Pongal before the cutting of the paddy. Farmers worship the sun and the earth by applying sandal wood paste and turmeric on their ploughs and sickles. With these consecrated tools, the newly-harvested rice will be cut.

Ancient sites of Paddy Cultivation

        In Porunarattrupadai -240-45, it is mentioned about the paddy cultivation in Tamizhalakam,

கூனி, குயத்தின் வாய் நெல் அரிந்து, 

சூடு கோடாகப் பிறக்கி, நாள்தொறும், 

குன்று எனக் குவைஇய குன்றாக் குப்பை 

கடுந் தெற்று மூடையின் இடம் கெடக் கிடக்கும்,

சாலி நெல்லின், சிறை கொள் வேலி, 

ஆயிரம் விளையுட்டு ஆக, 

காவிரி புரக்கும் நாடு கிழவோனே.

Meaning: Matured paddy which  is about to ready for harvest in Kaveri delta region and talks about heap of yielded rice as Aayiram veli (Aayiram- one thousand, the measurement unit veli is unknown)

        The famous ancient and megalithic site Adichanallur is situated near the river Tamirabharani in between a huge land of paddy cultivation. In addition to Thanjavur, Tamirabharani is also a prime source of paddy cultivation.  Adichanallur (Adi - meaning a primitive, Nel - Paddy, oor - village), this site close to 'Korkai', the capital and port city of Early Pandya Kings. Tirunelveli is also closer to Adichanallur, which is named after Paddy cultivation as Thiru - Sacred, Nel - Paddy, Veli - fence. It was also called as Marutha Veli in earlier days. Historians believed that Marutha Veli was the capital of Early Pandya Kingdom before they sworn Madurai as capital during third Tamizh Sangam.

        The Chief deity in Tirunelveli is Lord Nellaiyappar (Lord Shiva), he is named after paddy, as he believed to be protected farmer's rice crop over there. Nel - Rice, Appar - Father / Lord. As, this city is an ancient settlement of early Pandya kings, it is also called as 'TenPandya Nadu' / 'TenPandya Semmai'.

Paddy Cultivation in Tamizhakam dating back to.....

       The places Adichanallur, Tirunelveli, Nellaiappar temple etc  were named after rice and ruled by Early Pandya kings. Tools used for agriculture were also excavated from the site, Evidence of rice is seen in these megalithic sites such as Adichanallur and Porunthal site (near Pazhani). Before the cultivation of Paddy, Tamizh people had cultivated millets and lentils in abundance in Tamil Nadu, so agriculture is not new to Tamizh people. 

        Carbonised Paddy in a pot was unearthed from a place Agaram (near Keeladi) and Sivagalai in Thothukudi, by Archaeologists of Tamil Nadu. Sivagalai is ancient megalithic site, the artifacts unearthed from Sivagalai is believed to be 10,000 years old. The ancient sites Adichanallur and Sivagalai is considered as historical treasure of Ancient Tamizh Civilization.

         Now, coming back to Pongal,  in early records, Pongal is appeared as ponakam, tiruponakam, ponkal and similar terms.  Pongal celebrations can be at least dated back to 3,000 years old as the proof proposes that there are inscriptions of detailed Pongal recipes mentioned in some Hindu temples of Chola period. 

        Chola Kings predominantly ruled the Thanjavur delta region, where the Rice crops were grown in abundance, there was a line mentioned in tamil literature that ' The harvested rice crops were arranged like several heaps.  Each heaps will be a looking like a mountain through which even an elephant can hide'. So, Pongal festival was celebrated in much pomp and rigors during Chola period.

         The inscriptions found in the renowned Lord Veeraraghava temple at Tiruvallur mentions that Chola King Kiluttunga had the practice of gifting land to the temple as part of the Pongal celebrations. The inscription of the Thiruvallur temple shows that on this day, a variety of donations were given to the poor by the Kilutunga king on this day.

      From the ancient sites Adichanallur, Sivagalai, Thanjavur, Nellaiappar Temple, it is evident that Rice cultivation was flourished starting from Pandya Era. Then, it was continued by the consecutive rulers such as Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras, Pallavas, Velir Kings. Pongal has become like a part of Tamizh culture.

      Tamizh kings have conquered at settled at various places in the World. Indus Valley sites are one of them, According to Archaeologists and researchers  the prehistoric settlement of Indus valley people are connecting to Proto Dravidian people of South India. To know more the settlement of ancient Tamizh people at Indus region, reach out to

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2020/12/kumari-kandam-part-5-pre-indus-valley.html

    Now, there are some connections between Pongal celebration and its been celebrated in Pre Indus Valley civilization. Let us see one by one

In Connection With Indus Valley Civilization

    The literary evidence of unknown early Pandya kingdom (Paddy based region) near Pakruli  river in submerged Kumari Kandam and Kabadapuram have  revealed a lot of interest and in sight on paddy culture. Recently Dr.A.Parpalo, Finland Indologist's research on  Indus valley and Tamil script link is to be studied in terms of paddy culture.

        Archaeological evidences such as the recent discovery in ancient Tamil paddy cultivation  area (Sangam literature described as Maruda Nilam) Adichanallur, where the world's largest three-tier pre-historic cemetery is found is situated in oldest Tamirabarani river. Porundal is a traditional paddy cultivated area and the encouraging roots of Indus-valley civilization of Dravidian origin, said by Dr.A.Parpalo.

    Another old grain sample came from Mohenjodaro of Pakistan and dates from about 2500 B.C. (Andrus and Mohammed 1958).  By considering the above, the Indus-valley and the Tamil script root  and Adichanallur findings have a possibility that ancient Tamil Nadu has a traditional paddy culture and it might have expanded to many places.

    Also, As a part of Pongal celebration, Jallikattu - a sport of embracing bull will be held on second day of Pongal. This custom is being followed in South India for several thousand years, to preserve the native bulls (Naattu Maadu) and it's strength. This Jallikattu was also performed at ancient Indus Valley sites, which corresponds to Pre Indus Valley Civilization of Thamizh people in Sindhu region.

        There are some seals unearthed from Banawali, an Indus Valley site. Below mentioned seal is one of them, Bull leaping form of non violent bull fighting seals and images were identified. 

Bull leaping seal from Indus Valley Site

Jallikattu in Tamil Nadu

    To know in detail about the importance and significance of Jallikattu / Eru Thazhuvudhal, reach out to

https://divinediyaas.blogspot.com/2018/01/jallikattu-importance-of-native-indian.html

In Mathuraikanci 173, it is mentioned that

நல்லேர் நடந்த நசைசால் விளைவயல் - Where fine bulls walked to plow the yielding field.

Wooden ploughs were used, deep ploughing is considered to be superior than shallow ploughing.

Bulls ploughing at Tamil Nadu

        Similar to Pongal, there are many Rice Harvest festivals celebrated across many places in the World, in a similar manner. 

Similar Harvest Festivals and Rituals around the World!!

        The Rice Harvest Festival that is held in Bali, Indonesia, is a feature of the Tamizh culture at Bali. The Bali's harvest festival and Pongal does not occur at the same time or month. Due to climatic conditions, they both occur at different months, but the rituals followed for the harvest festival, traditions and celebrations of these two harvest festival are very similar.  

    The Bali's harvest festival is dedicated to the rice goddess 'Dewi Sri' and is a time of joyous celebration. Effigies of the goddess are placed in the fields in thanks, towns are decorated with colored flags, and special bull races are held.

         The local farmers would offer their great gratitude and praise for their abundant harvest of the year. This is similar to Pongal - Harvest festival of Tamil Nadu. This Tamizh culture influence at Indonesia is due to the past history of many Dravidian rulers such as Tamizh Pandya and Chola Kings. So, one could see the impact of Tamizh culture in Indonesia.

Carrying yields to worship at Temple

           A famous part of this festival is the Negara Bull Races which are held at Perancak (place), where water buffaloes are decorated and raced along the streets. This is similar to the bull races held in South India, such as Jallikattu and Rekla race, Bail Gadi Shariat of Maharastra, Maramadi of Kerala and Kambala of Karnataka.

Bull Race at Indonesia

        Tamizh people have identified 'Wild Rice' and have abundant knowledge about it, this is also mentioned in poem of "Agananuru" , as 'Vittha Valci' - The rice that grown without being sown. Bali is strongly influenced by Hindu and Tamizh culture. Subak (Water Irrigation System) and Paddy cultivation in wet fields are taught by Tamizh Kings who have migrated and settled at Bali.

        Evidence of wild rice on the island of Sulawesi dated to 3000 BC. Evidence for the such earliest cultivation,  comes from eighth century stone inscriptions from the central island of Java, which show kings levied taxes in rice. The images of rice cultivation, rice barn, and mouse pest infesting a rice field is evident in Karmawibhangga bas-reliefs of Borobudur. Since, the paddy cultivation has spread from Tamizhakam to Bali, from the above evidences it can be said that agriculture in Tamil nadu was at least 5000 years before.

        The type of plough technique used in ancient Thamizhakam was also used in Indonesia and ancient Egypt. Below picture depicts a farmer ploughing with bulls at Borobudur, Indonesia.

Borobudur carvings

Mehregan - Harvest Festival in Iran

        Mehregan is an Zoroastrian and Persian festival, celebrated to honour god Mithra. It also called as Persian autumn festival, The Mehr day in the Mehr month corresponded to the day farmers harvested their crops. They also celebrated the fact that Ahura Mazda had given them food to survive the coming cold months.

    The autumn equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator – from north to south. This event is celebrated as Mehregan. They worship with the freshly harvested paddy, pulses, veggies and fruits. 

Harvested yields kept for worship

        Thus, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu is been celebrated across places in a similar way, by expressing gratitude to Gods with the harvested yields. This is proving the fact that Tamil culture is being followed in many places in the World, due to the settlement of ancient Tamizh people and rule of Pandya, Chera, Chola and Velir Kings in those places.

Celebration and Games during Pongal

        As a part of Pongal celebration, there are Melas held along with races, games, dance ceremonies and fun activities are held, and the most powerful men who won the Jallikattu were chosen by the Kumaris (wannable brides) as their husbands. Temples and cultural centers organize the ritual cooking of Pongal dish, along with fairs (Pongal mela) with handicrafts, crafts, pottery, sarees, ethnic jewelry for sale. 

        These sites hold traditional community sports such as 'Uri Adithal' (breaking a hanging mud pot while blindfolded), Pallankuzhi, Kabbadi, Tug of War as well as group dance and music performances in major cities and villages.

Mayilattam - Peacock dance (Folk dance of Tamil Nadu)

Pallankuzhi - game

Uri Adithal

       Pongal is celebrated as 'Social festival', it is considered as a part of Tamizh culture. It is being celebrated for several thousand years and will continue to celebrate in future as well. The beautiful tradition of paying tribute to nature and worshiping them as Gods with much respect and love is conjoined with the belief of the people. All ancient civilizations in the World considered nature as Gods and worshiped them, Tamizh civilization is indeed one of them !!

Happy Pongal to all my readers !! Let the Health, Wealth, Knowledge, Prosperity, Happiness and Peace overflow in this World !!

- Aarthi Thiyagarajan