Part of Thai Pongal festivities includes what is called Maattu Pongal. (Maattu meaning Cow in Tamil) This is where Cows are teated with special reverence, provided treats, decorated and honored for the year's service to mankind. In the monastery we observe this in a simple and sweet way by decorating our cows and performing a short go puja (cow puja).

This was a chilly morning, many of the monks having to wear hats and coats to stay warm. But once the sun came up it warmed quickly. The Ganapati Kulam continues their renovation work. Tour day today brought many guests who were all happy to explore the gardens and see Iraivan Temple.

Enjoy the new 90-second introductory video about the monastery, written and produced by the monks, directed, shot and edited by Sushma Khadepaun-Parmar of Cutting Chai Productions and narrated by Ben Patrick Johnson. httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbp_zkT8whw