The association grew into being a strong force named the Kodava Samaja with more than ten thousand people from the Kodava community becoming a part of it and celebrated its hundred years of existence here on Sunday.

A majority of the women wore sarees draped in the traditional Kodava way, while the younger generations wore jeans and t-shirts.

B A Muttanna, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) East, who spoke on the occasion said that the history of the community should not be oral alone.

Till now there is no library which can help the young generation learn about the Kodava community. The Samaj must set up a library in Bangalore where books on the history of the community must be made available.”

The Kodavas regard their female folks highly and that is a matter of pride.

M Boppaiah, member of the Samaj said even during marriages, Kodavas do not depend on any priests.

Instead, the older lady of the house performs the rituals. This is to symbolise that they are respected most.

With special Kodava meals served for lunch, people from the age of 10 to 80 were seen relishing what they miss in the urban environment.

“The food took me back to my village near Virajpet,” said P Muthanna, a retired government employee.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> City / DHNS / September 11th, 2011