Significance of Kanuma festival in AP
Kanuma festival is the third day of four-day Sankranthi festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. Kanumu is primarily a festival for farmers. On the day Kanuma farmers decorate their cattle and treat them with deep respect as a show of their appreciation in helping them harvest the crop. Cows or the animals of worship are given bath and decorated on the day. They are taken to the temples and pooja is performed. People pray to the Sun God and the cows during this festival. Alms are given to poor people. It is an occasion for family gatherings and happy times.
The significance of Kanuma festival is, according to Hindu mythology, on the day of Kanuma, Lord Sri Krsihna lifted the Govardhana Hill when Lord Indra, with his headstrong poured a heavy rain on Gokulam People of Gokulam prayed to Krishna to save them from the cyclone. At that time Sri Krishna was just about 10 years. But without any fear, the Lord lifted the hill with his small finger.
Thus Indra realized that Sri Krishna is non other than Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and bowed on the Lord’s his feet.
From this day, the cows and buffaloes are worshipped and thanked for ploughing the fields and contributing to the harvest.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Kanuma festival is celebrated with great joy and pompous. Special emphasis is given on feasts and merry making on this day.
Another special day of Sankranti festival is Mukkanuma observed the day after Kanuma. Mukkanuma is the final day of Sankranti celebrations. On this day people arrange huge feasts, invite friends and relatives. In some places, on Mukkanuma bullock cart races and cock fightings are held. Mukkanuma is the final day of Sankranti festival in Andhra Pradesh and some parts of Karnataka.