Vibrancy in transactions noticeable at Kannapuram cattle shandy
Business at the ancient annual Kannapuram cattle shandy that began on April 27 near Olapalayam in Kangayam block promises vibrancy this time around after a lull last year.
Last year, transactions at the shandy taking place during the month of Chithirai, coinciding with the festival of the Mariamman Temple was subdued by the Model Code of Conduct of the Election Commission in force ahead of the Lok Sabha election.
The restriction on cash possession shrunk the business, resulting in transaction of only calves.
This time around, the organisers expect about 20,000 transactions.
Calves up to six months old were sold for a maximum of ₹50,000 each and adult cattle fetched prices up to ₹1.5 lakh, farmers said.
The shandy over a 10-day duration will culminate on May 7. The Pongal festival of the Mariamman Temple will take place on May 8 and the chariot festival of Vikramashozhiswaraswamy Temple on May 12. On Wednesday, the flag-hoisting ceremony was carried out.
The turnout of farmers from across Tamil Nadu and the other Southern States is gradually on the rise, a functionary of the organising committee said, adding that spectators also gather in large numbers.
Rearers of Kangayam and other native breeds brought cattle for sale from Pollachi, Udumalpet, Erode and other parts of Kongu region as also from Pudukottai, Tiruvaur, Tiruchi and Perambalur districts.
Farmers purchasing the cattle usually get their heads tonsured at the Mariamman Temple as a gesture of gratitude, before taking them home.
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