Kaanum Pongal celebrated with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu

Chennai: Kaanum Pongal, the last day of the Pongal festivities, in which people visit their near and dear ones, was celebrated in Tamil Nadu with great enthusiasm.
Nearly 15,000 police personnel have been posted in vital junctions here to prevent occurrence of any untoward incident.

A large number of people thronged important places including the Marina beach, temples and churches on the occasion of Kaanum Pongal, police said.
Stating that temporary police control rooms and ambulances have been kept ready, police said 10 All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) were kept on stand-by.

The police have warned public not to venture into the sea on the occasion, a police release said, adding enough security arrangements have been made in various places like amusement parks and shopping malls.

Some of the prominent places across Tamil Nadu where people throng in large numbers on this occasion have also come under thick security cover, the release said.

Pongal festivities take place for four days, the first day being 'Bhogi', when people burn their old clothes, mats and other items.

Second day is the main Pongal festival on the first day of the Tamil month 'Thai'.

The third day is celebrated as 'Mattu Pongal' when bulls and cows are bathed and their horns painted. The animals are worshipped as they play an important role in farms. The harvest festival culminates with 'Kaanum Pongal', the last day of festivities.