On Makar Sankranti, PM Modi feeds dwarf cows at his residence. All about world's cutest, smallest cattle breed gaining attention online

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a warm touch to tradition and fed the cows at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which marks the harvest festival of Hindus. In the short clip, PM Modi can be seen standing outdoors on a lawn, feeding the cows, which were adorned with decorative cloths, keeping the traditional festival practices. Makar Sankranti is known by various names in different parts of the country, such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. Devotees in several parts of the country performed rituals at different ghats. It is believed that feeding cows on Makar Sankranti brings blessings and prosperity' according to Hindu traditions. On Wednesday, PM Modi extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.



A heartwarming 39-second video released by the Prime Minister's Office shows four small cows (apparently of the Punganur breed). In the video, PM Modi is seen lovingly feeding them green fodder, caressing them, and playing with them. Last year too, the Prime Minister offered green fodder to a group of about six cattle which were from the Punganur breed of Andhra Pradesh.

What are Punganur breed of cows?

However, it is not confirmed whether cows PM Modi fed at his residence today belong to the Punganur breed or not, but the video is gaining traction online. The Punganur breed is native to the Punganoor, Vayalapadu, Madanapalli, and Palamaneer talukas of Chittoor district in the Rayalaseema region of southern Andhra Pradesh, according to the Indian Express. They are a unique dwarf breed, considered the shortest humped cattle in the world and their small size makes it easy to keep them at home.

ALSO READ: Delhi-NCR holidays: Are schools in Delhi, Noida and Gurugram shut on January 16 as region experiences more cold than Shimla, Dehradun? Check details. Punganur cows gained popularity and attention on social media when PM Modi fed and caressed the cows at his residence on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14, 2024. He posted a video of him feeding the cows on his Instagram account, which went viral on social media. People were amazed and curious about the breed and its characteristics. Named after the town of its origin, Punganur, in the Chittoor district, the Punganur breed of cows is believed to have descended from the Ongole cattle, which the Vijayanagara kings brought to the region in the 15th century, according to a TOI report.

Punganur cows can be white or grey, or of shades of light or dark brown. They have small, crescent-shaped horns of 10-15 cm length, which often curve backward and forward in male cattle and lateral and forward in female cattle of the breed. Once on the verge of extinction, the number of Punganur breed of cows has increased significantly in the recent years. It has a gentle and friendly temperament and is easy to handle. It is well adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of the region and can survive on dry fodder such as grass, straw, hay, and so on.

Punganur's cow's milk rich in omega acids

The Punganur cow breed is primarily reared for milk production and is known for its exceptionally high milk fat content. While the fat content in regular cow’s milk typically ranges between 3 and 5 percent, Punganur cow’s milk contains around 8 percent fat. It is also rich in essential nutrients such as omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all of which contribute to overall health and well-being. The milk is believed to have medicinal properties and is commonly used to prepare ghee, butter, and curd. On average, a Punganur cow produces about 3 to 5 litres of milk per day and requires approximately 5 kg of feed daily.

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PM extends greetings on Makar Sankranti

"This sacred occasion of Sankranti is celebrated in various parts of the country according to local customs and traditions. I pray to Lord Surya for everyone's happiness, prosperity, and excellent health," PM Modi said through a post on X. PM Modi also attended Pongal celebrations in the national capital on Wednesday, hailing it as a global festival representing one of the oldest civilisations in the world.

Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival observed across the country through religious traditions. The festival marks the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and is celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival. Makar Sankranti also marks the start of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey. Makar Sankranti also marks the start of Uttarayan, the Sun’s northward journey. On the day of Makar Sankranti, devotees rise early in the morning, around sunrise, and start with a dip in a sacred river such as the Ganga, Kaveri, or Krishna, accompanied by prayer and chanting. Makar Sankranti is all about making khichdi, kite flying, sesame sweets, and coconut laddoos. Makar Sankranti marks a message that the winter season is now clearly leaving.

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath offered the sacred Khichdi to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath at the Gorakhnath Temple during Brahma Muhurta, in accordance with the revered traditions of the Nath sect. On this occasion, he prayed to the divine Mahayogi for the welfare of the people and for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens.

PM celebrates Pongal

PM Modi also extended greetings on the occasion of Pongal, describing the harvest festival as a celebration of the bond between human effort and nature, and a tribute to agriculture, farmers, rural life, and the dignity of labour. Calling Pongal a reflection of the richness of Tamil traditions, PM Modi said India takes pride in Tamil as the world’s oldest language and noted that the festival is now celebrated globally by Tamil communities. He wished that Pongal would bring prosperity, success, and good health to all. "Pongal is a shining symbol of the richness of Tamil traditions. We in India take pride in the fact that we are home to the oldest language in the world, Tamil.

It is gladdening to see Pongal emerge as a global festival. It is celebrated enthusiastically in Tamil Nadu, in different parts of India and by the Tamil community across the world. Once again, warm Pongal wishes to you. May this festival bring an abundance of prosperity, success and good health to everyone's lives," PM Modi said through a letter.

The Prime Minister attended the Pongal celebrations on Wednesday at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan in the national capital. Modi's presence at the celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan, with leading lights of the Tamil society, including the cast of the recently released film Parasakthi, was seen as an outreach to the southern state where assembly elections are due in the next few months. Addressing the gathering, Modi said this festival celebrates the hard work of the farmers and expresses gratitude to the land and the Sun.

He said Pongal, which sends out the message of maintaining harmonious balance with nature, has emerged as a global festival, cherished by Tamilians world over. "The festival of Pongal reminds us that gratitude should go beyond mere words and become an integral part of our daily lives. When the Earth provides us with so much, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect it," Modi said at the celebrations that had Union Ministers, bureaucrats, and people from a cross-section of society in attendance.

(With inputs from agencies and TOI)