Kanuma Festival (Andhra Pradesh)

Kanuma is a culturally significant festival celebrated predominantly in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It forms the third day of the four-day-long Sankranti festival, one of the most important harvest celebrations in South India. Kanuma is devoted to honoring cattle, especially cows, bulls, and oxen, recognizing their vital role in traditional agriculture and rural economy.

Festival Sequence

Kanuma is celebrated as the third day in the Sankranti series:

Day 1 – Bhogi: Cleansing, discarding old items, and lighting bonfires to mark a new beginning.
Day 2 – Makara Sankranti: Celebrates the harvest, sun’s entry into Capricorn (Makara Rashi), and prosperity.
Day 3 – Kanuma: Honoring livestock and agricultural tools.
Day 4 – Mukkanuma: Devoted to feasting and worshiping nature and animals; involves community gatherings and food sharing.

Etymology

The term "Kanuma" (కనుమ) has roots in the Telugu language. Though its precise linguistic origin is debated, it is associated with seeing, showing, or displaying, possibly referencing the showcasing of decorated cattle and farm assets as a symbol of prosperity.

Cultural Significance

In agrarian societies, animals are integral to farming. Bulls plough the fields, cows provide milk, and both animals contribute to transport, manure, and maintaining soil fertility. Kanuma is a day of thanksgiving, where farmers express gratitude and reverence to these animals.

The festival also strengthens the spiritual and symbolic relationship between humans and animals, highlighting themes of coexistence, non-violence, and sustainable living.

Rituals and Celebrations

1. Cattle Worship (Pasuvula Pooja)

Cattle are bathed, groomed, and decorated with vibrant clothes, flowers, turmeric, vermilion (kumkum), and beaded ornaments.
Horns are painted with natural dyes in vivid colors.
Bells are tied around their necks, and animals are paraded in the village streets.
Aarti (ceremonial flame) is performed for cows and bulls by the family, especially by women and elders.
Special Naivedyam (offerings) such as rice, bananas, jaggery, and fodder are fed to the cattle.
In some regions, pujas are performed to the plough and farming tools as a mark of respect.

2. Govu Sammelana (Cattle Gathering)

Farmers often gather in open fields or near temples with their cattle.
Competitions are organized to showcase the healthiest bull, decorated cow, or strongest ox.
Children enjoy riding bullock carts, and folk dances are performed in some villages.

3. Traditional Rural Sports

Bull-taming events, although increasingly regulated, are still practiced in some districts.
Cockfighting (Kodi Pandem) – a controversial tradition, is part of Kanuma in some areas despite legal restrictions.
Buffalo races, bullock cart races, and tug-of-war events are common in rural settings.

4. Worship of Lord Krishna and Cows

Many households also associate Kanuma with the Govardhan Leela of Lord Krishna, where he lifted the Govardhan hill to protect cows and people. As a result, cow worship during Kanuma is both spiritual and agricultural.

5. Feasting and Food Sharing

Kanuma is also a day of feasting, especially among farming families. Common dishes include:

Pulihora (tamarind rice)
Pongal (sweet and savory)
Ariselu (jaggery and rice sweets)
Garelu (vada)
Vegetable curries made from freshly harvested produce

In some areas, non-vegetarian food is prepared, particularly on Mukkanuma (the following day), and is shared in large community feasts.

Regional Variations

In coastal Andhra, large processions of decorated bulls are held with accompanying drums and folk dances.
In Rayalaseema, farmers gather in fields to celebrate with traditional games and plough-pujas.
In Telangana, the emphasis is on rural sports and cattle showcasing, along with temple festivities.

Eco-Cultural Aspects

Promotes respect for animals and sustainable farming.
Encourages the organic use of natural resources, like cow dung for flooring and compost.
Reinforces biodiversity and harmony with nature.

Challenges and Controversies

While the festival's core values are of gratitude and non-violence, modern challenges include:

Animal rights concerns, especially over cockfighting and tethering of cattle.
Declining participation in urban areas due to modernization and migration.
Commercialization of festivities in some towns, replacing cultural depth with showmanship.

Government and Legal Aspects

Some practices like cockfighting have been challenged in courts under animal protection laws.
However, local governments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have supported Kanuma celebrations through cattle exhibitions, subsidies for farmers, and awareness campaigns on sustainable agriculture.

Educational and Awareness Campaigns

In recent years, NGOs and rural development bodies have conducted Kanuma-themed workshops in schools to:

Teach children about native breeds of cows
Promote the values of Ahimsa (non-violence) and eco-consciousness
Highlight the importance of indigenous farming practices

Related Festivals

Mattu Pongal – Celebrated in Tamil Nadu on the same day to worship cattle.
Govardhan Puja – Cow and nature worship celebrated after Diwali in North India.
Makar Sankranti – Pan-Indian harvest festival.
Poush Sankranti – Celebrated in Bengal with different customs.

In Modern Popular Culture

Kanuma-themed scenes are depicted in Telugu movies showcasing village life.
Cultural programs on TV channels highlight the significance of traditional cattle and farming customs.
Social media campaigns run by rural influencers have popularized the visuals of decorated bulls and cultural events.

References

1. Telugu Academy Textbook – "Sankranti and Traditional Festivals" 2. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department – Festival Calendar and Rural Heritage 3. The Hindu – “Why Kanuma Matters for Farmers” (Jan 2021) 4. Telangana Culture Portal – Festivals and Traditions 5. National Dairy Development Board – Reports on Indigenous Cattle in India 6. News Report – Kanuma Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, 2023

Wp/efi/Kanuma Festival