Pennycuick Pongal celebrated in Theni district; farmers celebrate Mattu Pongal with horses in Sirumalai hills

The birth anniversary of Colonel. John Pennycuick, the architect of Mullaperiyar dam, was celebrated as ‘Pennycuick Pongal’ at Palarpatti village in Theni district, on Thursday.

Rich tributes were paid to the statue of Col. Pennycuick which is installed at his memorial at Lower Camp near Gudalur in Theni district. Theni Collector Ranjeet Singh, MP Thanga Tamil Selvan and others garlanded the statue of Col. Pennycuick and paid rich tributes to the British Engineer.

At Palarpatti, the farmers came together with their families and relatives, they prepared pongal and distributed it to the visitors. The farmers said the water from Mullaperiyar dam has helped them carry out agriculture and met the drinking water needs of the people.

Water from the dam helps farmers carry out agriculture in five southern districts; Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts and also meets the drinking water needs of Theni, Madurai and parts of Dindigul district, they said.

As part of the birth anniversary celebrations, the traditional dance and martial art forms such as Mayilattam and Silambam were performed. Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Col. Pennycuick. Bulls, horses and rams that were also decorated were taken out on a procession by the people. Sports and cultural events were also conducted.

In Sirumalai hills in Dindigul district, the farmers celebrated Mattu Pongal by showing their gratitude to their horses by decorating them and praying for their well being.

The farmers said since there were no proper roads in the forest area, they transport their produce on horse backs. Horses are used to transport fruits and vegetables. Every household in the area owns at least two horses. The horses were fed their favourite food as part of the celebrations and special prayers were offered for the well being of their friend and companion, they said.

EOM