Thai Poosam

Thaai Poosam, the very name denotes that the festival occurs in the month of Thaai (Jan - Feb). The festival normally occurs around the full moon day in Tamil month of Thaai during the day of the poosam star in the tamil astrological calendar. The event is to mark the killing of the demon Tharakasura by Lord Muruga. This day marks the end of the curse given to Lord Muruga by his parents, Shiva and Parvathi.

This festival is celebrated in a grand fashion at 5 venues in the region.

Mattu Pongal at Sri Matheswara Temple

Sri Matheswara Temple is about 3 kms from Mettupalayam towards Coimbatore. It is located on a hillock near Mettupalayam and near a village called Kuttaiyur. Matheswara is a Shiva name. This temple is believed to be there for over a thousand years (to be proven). This temple's history is that a cow had milked itself on a Suymabu. This is believed to be Lord Shiva. This temple is very sacred among the farmers of the neighbouring villages such as Theramapalayam, Belladhi, Kuttaiyur. The other important matter is the prayer offered for a healthy delivery for their cattle (cows) is fulfilled by offering a statue of nandi to the lord at this temple and the first milk will be offered to lord Shiva on this temple.  Mattu Pongal is the Special day for this temple, so many people in and around this region will visit this temple on the day, This occassion happens Yearly once only.

Pongal is celebrated in fervour at Mettupalayam and its surroundings. As the entire region is predominantly agriculture based, the main festival happens to Pongal for the community. It is a public holiday throughout the state and is followed by a few more festivals in the consecutive days. This hindu festival has been celebrated by the Tamil people for over a 1000 years. The festival begins on the first day of the Tamil month of Thiai followed by Mattu Pongal on the next day. On the pongal day, a delicacy called charkari pongal is prepared in the harvested rice, with jaggery, ghee and cashew nuts and is offered to the Sun God. The seond day, Mattu Pongal is dedicated to the Cattle when cows are bathed and adomed with colourful beads and flowers. Jallikattu, the bullfight is held on the last day known as Kannum Pongal. Jallikattu however is not held in this region as it is a practice for the people in Southern Tamil Nadu.

Special pooja is held at various temples and locations as below :

1. Lord Madeswara Temple, Kuttaiyur.

2. Sri Vanabadrakali Amman Temple, Thekkampatti.

3. Sri Kulandaivelayuthaswamy Temple, Kuranthamalai.