GEORGE TOWN: S. Ashvinthran’s family make their living by selling milk, and have about 30 cattle in their little farm in Air Itam. While the cows provide the milk, the bulls are often “rented out” to pull bullock carts and chariots at events and festivals. It was Mattu Ponggal – the third day of the Ponggal festivities and a day dedicated to cows. Three pots of sweet ponggal rice were also prepared, with milk, jaggery, and other traditional ingredients, specifically for the cows. “Mattu Ponggal is all about honouring cattle, and this is a meaningful way to introduce the festival to students,” she said.

Source: The Star January 17, 2026 15:01 UTC