Happy Kanuma - Telugu Sankranti Festival

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Category: Indian Festivals

Written by Super User

On the third day of Makar Sankranti Festival, in Andhra Pradesh, a festival named "Kanuma" is celebrated with great joy and pompous. Special emphasis is given on feasts and merry making on this day. Kanuma, dedicated to cows, bulls and other animals that help a human being in carrying out agricultural activities, is very similar to the Mattu Pongal festival, observed in Tamil Nadu. On this day, usually all farmers in Andhra Pradesh, clean cattle and cattle sheds and the sacred cows are decorated with marigold flowers and worshipped as well.

Significance of Kanuma:

According to Indian Mythology, it is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the people of Gokulam on this day. Another special day- Mukkanuma is observed the day after Kanuma. The story behind the celebrations of Kanuma is like this: 

First, Lord Krishna asked the people of Gokul to worship the Govardhan hill, which blocked the clouds and provided rain. This made Lord Indra angry, who until then was seen as the rain god, and to avenge this insult, Indra created thunderstorms and rain and flooded Gokul. To protect the people, cows and other animals, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill. People found shelter under the hill. Soon Indra realized his folly and took refuge in·Krishna.

Interesting Fact: There  is also a festival named Kanuma Autumn in Japan.

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