Significance of Telugu Kanuma Festival - Pasuvula Panduga In Andhra Pradesh - Telangana After Sankranti

Kanuma, also known as Pasuvula Panduga, is observed on the third day of the Sankranthi festival in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill to protect the people of Gokulam on this day. In 2025 Kanuma is on January 15. It is of great importance to the Telugu community and is observed in the Telugu month of Pushya. Mukkanuma is observed the day after Kanuma and is primarily a day of feasting and merry making.

Kanuma festival is quite similar to the Mattu Pongal observed in Tamil Nadu. The festival is dedicated to cows, bulls and other animals that are part of agrarian economy. Cattle and cattle sheds are cleaned on the day. Cows are decorated with marigold flowers and are worshipped.

Sun (Surya), Mahabali (the king who sacrificed everything to Vamana incarnation of Vishnu) and Godadevi are also worshipped during the festival.

In Hindu mythology, Kanuma is the day when Lord Krishna performed the miracle of lifting the Govardhan hill. Lord Krishna asked the people of Gokul to worship the Govardhan hill, which blocked the clouds and provided rain. This enraged Lord Indra, who until then was seen as the rain god, and to avenge this insult, Indra created thunderstorms and rain and flooded Gokul. To protect the people, cows and other animals, Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan hill. People found shelter under the hill. Soon Indra realized his folly and took refuge in Krishna.

Kakapudi Festival is observed on the day in Tirupati Balaji Temple.

Interestingly, there is a festival named Kanuma Autumn festival in Japan.