Kanuma Festival 2026: The 'Cattle Festival' Begins – Traditions & Wishes

Kanuma Festival 2026 unfolds today as the heartwarming ‘Cattle Festival’ in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As the third day of the four-day Sankranti (Makar Sankranti) celebrations, it honors livestock—especially cows, bulls, and buffaloes—that form the backbone of agriculture and rural life.

While Bhogi brings bonfires and Sankranti focuses on sun worship and sweets, Kanuma shifts attention to nature’s partners: the animals that till fields, provide milk, and sustain families year-round. Families express deep gratitude through rituals that highlight harmony between humans, animals, and the land.

Core Traditions of Kanuma

The day centers on Go Puja or Govardhana Puja—worship of cows. Farmers and households bathe their cattle, apply turmeric and kumkum, paint horns in bright colors, adorn them with flower garlands, bells, and mango leaves, then offer special meals like pongal, jaggery, and green fodder.

Devotees perform pradakshina (circumambulation) around the decorated animals while chanting mantras. In temples like SV Gosala in Tirupati, grand Go Puja Mahotsavams take place with Vedic chants and community participation.

Rural areas buzz with folk games, bull races in some villages, and community feasts. Urban families in Hyderabad and other cities celebrate at home or native places, sharing sweets and honoring any household cows or visiting farms.

Significance and Modern Celebrations

Kanuma reminds everyone of agriculture’s roots and the timeless value of gratitude. Cattle represent wealth and prosperity for farmers—oxen plow fields, cows give milk—making this day a tribute to sustainable rural life.

In 2026, amid ongoing Sankranti festivities, leaders like Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu extend greetings, emphasizing livestock’s role in farming and cultural heritage.

Social media fills with photos of adorned cattle, family gatherings, and heartfelt messages.

తిరుపతిలోని ఎస్వీ గోశాలలో ఈ రోజు కనుమ పర్వదినాన్ని పురస్కరించుకుని గోపూజ మహోత్సవం భక్తిశ్రద్ధలతో జరిగింది.
వేదమంత్రోచ్చారణల నడుమ గోమాతలకు ప్రత్యేక పూజలు నిర్వహించి భక్తులు పాల్గొని కనుమ పండుగను ఆధ్యాత్మికంగా జరుపుకున్నారు.

#Kanuma #GopujaMahotsavam #SVGoshala #Tirupati #TTD

— Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (@TTDevasthanams) January 16, 2026

Heartfelt Kanuma Wishes

Share these to spread joy:

• Happy Kanuma 2026! May cattle bring prosperity and fields yield abundance.
• Wishing you gratitude, harmony, and endless blessings on this Cattle Festival.
• Kanuma Subhakankshalu! Honor nature’s helpers and celebrate rural roots.
• May Kanuma fill your home with joy, your heart with thanks, and your life with wealth.

Kanuma strengthens bonds—with family, community, and nature. From village rituals to city greetings, it radiates warmth and gratitude. Happy Kanuma to all!