The 24th annual get-together of N.R. Mohalla Sri Kavery Kodava Okkoota was held recently at Kodagu Sahakara Sangha in Jayalakshmipuram.
The day-long meet comprised Bolakaat, Kodavaat, sports and cultural programmes.
Chottemanda Geetha Ashok conducted sports while Bolakaat and cultural events were performed under the guidance of Chottemanda Lalu, Deekshitha, Kotera Kushalappa, Kodira Pushpa and Kotera Revathi Kushalappa. Okkoota President Kodira Prakash Nanaiah, Secretary Madetira Sunil Somanna.
Committee Members Bachiranayanda Prasanna, Narapanda Sannu Mandappa, Kotera Suresh Kushalappa, Atrangada Praveen Poovanna, Choteyanda Smitha Poonacha, Balyatanda Sarasu Kushalappa, Chottemanda Lalu Mohan and Ajjinikanda Chittiappa were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 13th, 2024
The 8th edition of Barefoot Marathon will be held on Dec. 8 (Sunday).
The event, which is a fund-raiser for The Coorg Wellness Foundation, set up for the wellness of people, wildlife and ecology of Kodagu, will be flagged from Tata Coffee Sports Grounds at Pollibetta, at 6 am.
Bib distribution will be done Dec. 7 between 11 am to 1 pm.
To volunteer, contact Varun on Mob: 96868-55539 and for accommodation, call Ricky Monappa on Mob: 96323-38111.
For registration, interested may log on to https://youtoocanrun.com/races/the-barefoot-marathon-8th-december-2024/
The Marathon will be held in five categories — Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, 5K Run and 1.5K Run.
The registration fee for all categories is Rs. 1,000 which includes brunch and T-shirt.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News (headline edited) / November 04th, 2024
With a string of holidays including Deepavali and Kannada Rajyotsava weekend, the tourist-favorite district of Kodagu has seen a massive influx of visitors.
With four consecutive holidays, including Naraka Chaturdasi, Kannada Rajyotsava, Balipadyami, and Sunday, lakhs of tourists have flocked to Kodagu. Tourist spots and religious sites are bustling with visitors and devotees, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the region.
Tourists have thronged Raja’s Seat, the popular hilltop spot in Madikeri, where visitors are enjoying the panoramic views. Other attractions like Abbey Falls, Dubare, and Nisargadhama are also seeing a surge in footfall. The recent holy occasion of Cauvery Theerthodbhava has further drawn thousands of pilgrims to Talacauvery and Bhagamandala.
Heavy traffic congestion has been reported at major tourist spots and religious centres, including Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, and Talacauvery, posing challenges for the police in ensuring smooth traffic flow.
The month-long Kiru Sankramana period after the Theerthodbhava is seen as an auspicious time for a holy dip in the Cauvery River at Talacauvery. Thousands of devotees, including those from other districts and states, are visiting the sacred spot. The ongoing holidays have further increased the number of visitors, causing some local concern over difficulties in performing rituals peacefully.
source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet Newsable / Home> English News> Karnataka / by Vinaykumar Patil / November 03rd, 2024
Kodagu is deep- rooted in the culture of the past, the glorious past.
The traditions, the idealsand the institutions of the past are inherited by us as a rich legacy. It is not just the abundant natural beauty that makes Kodagu a distinct place. It’s people- the Kodavas with discrete culture and heritage boost the glory of this land. This is the season of the year, where Kodavas in Kodagu district perform the annual ritual “KARANANG KODPO“ held in memory of their ancestors.
Amidst the misty hills and lush coffee plantations of Kodagu, the indigenous community of Kodavas honour “GURU KARONA” the first ancestor as their protector and guide. With Guru karona as their guardian, they walk the path of their ancestors, connecting to the very soul of their land.
Our ancestors are as much a part of us as we are part of them. Karanang kodpo is an occasion for kodava usually after the changrandhi, to invoke the ancestors, offer them sweet, meat, liquor, take their blessings and the families rejoice followed by a feast.
All auspicious ceremonies and works of Kodavas were usually done during this time because Kodavas did not have temple culture and kept Brahmins away as we Kodavas adore ancestral worship and venerate our man of yester year “Guru karona”.
Karanangkodpo is an important annual observance where offerings are made to a clan’s ancestors. The food and drink habits of deceased members of the family are remembered. Accordingly, offerings are made to the dead. The Karona, or the dead patriarch, is prayed to. Offerings of food and drink made to Gods and ancestors are called “Meedhi”. Kodava cultural traditions and practices were transmitted orally from generation to generation.
In olden days, all the members if an “okka” lived together in their ” Ainmane” or ancestral home. While many of these Ainmanes have been rebuilt, the traditional ones that are still standing are 150 to 200 years old. Today even if they do not live in the Ainmane, members of an okka gather to celebrate festivals and traditional ceremonies. The Karona, the first Ancestor or founder of the okka is revered as a God. Kodavas consider their Ancestors as their guiding spirit and their elders as their living guides. As a mark of respect, younger people touch the feet of their elders when they meet during auspicious occasions. Elders invoke their ancestors when they bless those who touch their feet.
The cultural heritage of the Kodavas is a priceless legacy passed down from generation to generation. Every legacy followed strengthens our collective voice, fostering unity and resilience.
Together we strive for an empowered kodava community that stands proud, preserving our roots and shaping a future rooted in our unique traditions.
Sadly, with the passage of time our culture has been ambushed by modernization.
Currently conserving our rich heritage to let our future generations know who truly are, is of surmount importance. Every nook and corner of our Ainmane act as a silent reminder into our colourful past.
An architectural aspect which as stood the tests of time are our Ainmanes. Homes to the native communities of Kodagu, these Ainmanes stand as a silent testimony of our story.
Let’s join hands, in conserving the little that remains of ancestors and their impressions left on the phase of earth.
Because Ainmanes are a matter of pride and the soul of kodava rituals and their revival provides a surety to Kodavas customs and legacy. As traditions passes on from generation to the next it is a duty of every Kodavas to maintain the sanctity of their places of worship.
source: http://www.clnnews.in / Coffee Land News / Home> Articles / by Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah / October 25th, 2024
The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today.
The Ain Mane established at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai.(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
The Kodava Ain Mane forms the epicenter of the culture of Kodava community. The Ain Mane aka ancestral house act as curators of the Kodava traditions and culture. With an aim to introduce these traditional edifices to the world, a model of the Ain Mane will now be inaugurated at the Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai today.
Dakshinachitra is a cultural living museum of art, architecture, lifestyle, performing arts and craft. The museum is home to 18 traditional houses that depict the unique culture of South India. And as a 19th addition to the museum, a traditional Kodava Ain Mane has now been established at the center in Chennai and depicts the rich culture of the Kodava community.
“Our long search for an Ain Mane from Kodagu bore fruit in 2022. We acquired and dismantled the 1852 built Kodira family Ain Mane in Kodagu. The entire house was documented in detail and all the wooden elements were numbered, dismantled and transported to Dakshinachitra Museum in early 2023,” shared Rathi Vinay Jha, former secretary of the tourism department, member of the Sandooka Museum Trust and Life Trustee of Daskhinachitra Museum who headed the Kodava Ain Mane project. She was earlier involved in curating materials for the Sandooka Virtual Kodava museum.
The work for the Ain Mane at Dakshinachitra Museum began in June 2023 and the same is ready to be inaugurated today. The Ain Mane is lined with materials that exhibit the unique culture, traditions, rituals, folk culture, attire and cuisine of the Kodava community.
The project was supported by the CSR wing of Hyundai Motors and Mobis India Foundation. As confirmed by Rathi, a Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform at Dakshinachitra today and tomorrow during the inaugural ceremony.
“The Dakshinachitra Museum managed by Madras Craft Foundation showcases ancestral homes from all the Southern States. The museum is 35 years old and they already have 18 such ancestral homes. The Kodava House will be the 19th such house. The Kodava house will showcase the culture and heritage of Kodavas and Kodagu,” she concluded.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Pragna GR / October 22nd, 2024
The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has launched the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative in Madikeri, unveiling a comprehensive plan to elevate Kodagu as a prime example of sustainable tourism.
Through this initiative, KSTDC aims to promote eco-friendly travel practices, enhance visitor facilities, and preserve the natural beauty of the Kodagu district, a region renowned for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The program gathered local tourism organizations and district officials to discuss actionable steps to ensure a responsible tourism approach that aligns with the needs of both the environment and the visitors.
Among the key measures discussed were upgrades to tourist amenities, tighter control over unauthorized wine production, and collaborative efforts with health and law enforcement agencies to ensure quality standards for local products. KSTDC’s vision is to build a cohesive tourism ecosystem where environmental stewardship is balanced with visitor satisfaction, creating a memorable and responsible experience for all who visit Kodagu.
Kodagu’s popularity as a destination for solo travelers and wellness enthusiasts has been steadily growing, thanks to its peaceful ambiance and potential for health-oriented tourism. To add cultural depth to visitors’ experiences, the initiative includes plans to convert historic local homes into unique lodging options, drawing inspiration from similar projects in North India. Infrastructure enhancements were also highlighted, with the proposed addition of essential facilities such as restrooms and small retail outlets at intervals along key highways to support visitor needs.
As part of its forward-looking strategy, KSTDC and the Kodagu administration are set to release a coffee table book showcasing the district’s many attractions, from scenic spots to cultural landmarks. Additionally, a tourism app is under development, designed to provide tourists with easy access to information on local sites, activities, and services. The initiative has already garnered strong backing from regional tourism associations, which view ‘Connect Kodagu’ as a landmark effort to position Kodagu as a sustainable and culturally enriching destination in India.
Through the ‘Connect Kodagu’ initiative, KSTDC is setting a precedent in the tourism industry by not only addressing current challenges but also proactively planning for the future. By focusing on environmental preservation, cultural authenticity, and infrastructure development, KSTDC aims to create a tourism model that other regions in India could follow. This program underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in fostering economic growth while protecting the region’s ecological and cultural wealth.
source: http://www.travelandtourworld.com / Trave and Tour World / Home> India Travel News / October 29th, 2024
DakshinaChitra, the living-history museum and a project of Madras Craft Foundation, is set to unveil its 19th addition — a meticulously restored 1852 Kodava house from Coorg (Kodagu).
Located at DakshinaChitra Museum on East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, the house will officially open on Oct. 23 at 11.30 am, with Ju Seong Kyu, the Managing Director of Mobis India Foundation (the CSR arm of Hyundai Mobis) presiding over the event.
The Kodavas, a unique community known for their distinct customs, heritage, attire and cuisine, will have these aspects vividly showcased within the house.
Kodagu, nestled in the Western Ghats, is renowned for its rich, forested, mountainous terrain, and the Kodavas have long been its protectors, safeguarding its wildlife and biodiversity for centuries.
A dedicated exhibition on the Western Ghats will highlight the global importance of conserving these biodiversity hotspots. Kodava music and dance, a cherished part of the community’s culture, will also be showcased.
A Kodava troupe from Kodagu will perform on both Oct. 23 and 24 to celebrate the house’s inauguration.
The Kodava House exhibition has been curated by Gigi Scaria, while the Western Ghats exhibition has been curated by Shekar Dattatri and Saravana Kumar.
Contributions from Sandooka: The Living Museum of Kodava Culture, founded by retired IAS Officer Rathi Vinay Jha of the Codanda family, enrich the display with images, content and videos. She is also the Life Trustee of the Madras Craft Foundation.
The construction of the Kodava house and the exhibition has been entirely supported by Mobis India Foundation. The opening ceremony will conclude with a traditional Kodava folk performance.
Rathi Vinay Jha and Founder of Madras Craft Foundation and DakshinaChitra Museum Dr. Deborah Thiagarajan will address the gathering. Head of CSV Strategy Team, HQ Mobis Lee Chang Jun and Kim Kyung Jin from the CSV Strategy Team, HQ Mobis will be present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 20th, 2024
The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.
Devotees taking part in the Cauvery Tula Sankramana. (Photo | ENS)
Madikeri :
The chants ‘Ukki Baa Cauvery’ broke the morning mist at Talacauvery as the sacrosanct event of Cauvery Tula Sankramana was witnessed by thousands of devotees.
The holy water gushed out from the ‘Kundike’ at 7.41 am, a minute later than the predicted time. Rituals followed the holy event and the temple towns of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery flourished with devotion on Thursday.
The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.
The roads leading to Bhagamandala and Talacauvery were flooded with devotees from midnight hours even as hundreds of devotees dressed in traditional Kodava attire marched barefoot to the temple from Bhagamandala.
A few devotees even carried out ‘padayatra’ from Virajpet and the temple towns were witness to the endless devotions from thousands of devotees. While the astrologers predicted the holy gushing of water to take place at 7.40 am, the same was witnessed a minute later. Hundreds took a dip in the holy water even as arrangements were in place to distribute the holy water to the gathered devotees.
Alongside the arrangements extended by the district administration and police department, several volunteers and other organizations joined in to ensure smooth ongoing of the activities during the festivity.
Increased security was deployed by the police department. Under the leadership of SP K Ramarajan, four DySPs, 12 Inspectors, 32 PSIs, 350 constables, two KSRP, four DAR staff and others extended security to the devotees.
Mass feeding to the devotees was extended by Kodagu Ekikarana Members. Apart from the traffic jam, all necessary arrangements were made to ensure smooth visits of the devotees.
Several dignitaries including district in-charge minister Boseraju, MLAs AS Ponnanna, Dr Mantar Gowda, DC Venkat Raja and others were present during the sacrosanct event.
source: http://www.newindianexpess.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2024
Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, will be celebrating Cauvery (Kaveri) Sankramana Festival at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage on Oct. 18.
Kani Puja will be performed at 10 am.
Holy water (Theertha) will be distributed to all the devotees present in the celebration.
All the devotees of Goddess Kaveri are requested to participate in Kani Puja, Festival celebration and also receive Theertha brought from Talacauvery, according to a release from K.A. Belliappa, Hon. Secretary of the Samaja.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 15th, 2024
Legend says that when Goddess Kaveri left Agasthya, the force of her current turned around the pleats of Kodava women’s saris.
A Kodava bride (image courtesy: YouTube)
The mystery of the Kodavas
The source of the sacred river Kaveri is in Kodagu (Coorg) on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Kodagu’s beautiful landscapes of thickly forested slopes, monsoon-fed streams, and abundant native flora and fauna are home to the Kodavas, a unique community with a martial lineage and customs that differ from their neighbors. The origins of the Kodavas who are primarily ancestor and nature worshippers remain shrouded in mystery – theories speculate they descended from a lost platoon of Alexander the Great’s soldiers or pre-Islamic Kurds who traveled from the present Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. None have been proven satisfactorily!
What sets the Kodavas apart from their southern neighbors is their traditional clothing. Men wear long black coats called kupsas, while women wear sarees draped quite differently from the traditional Indian style. This attire is best reflected at a Kodava wedding where, along with very distinctive jewelry, Kodava men and women showcase their unique cultural heritage and values.
A Kodava bride (image courtesy: YouTube)
The Legend of Kaveri
In Coorg, legend says that when an irate Kaveri left her husband the sage Agasthya, the Kodavas implored her to stay. She was adamant about leaving but promised to always remain with them in the form of a river, nourishing their land and giving them sustenance. When Kaveri left, the force of her current turned the pleats of the Kodava women’s saris around. To date, Kodava women wear their saris with the pleats behind, and one end wrapped under their left arm and pinned over the right shoulder.
How to drape a Kodava sari (image courtesy: Youtube)
Kodava brides wear their saris this way, with a long-sleeved blouse and a veil called a musku; elaborate Benarasi silks embroidered with motifs, in shades ranging from red to magenta are the preferred option. It is customary for a bride to wear either her mother’s or grandmother’s sari, most of which are preserved carefully over the years.
Our family to date uses my great-grandmother’s veil; tissue thin and delicate, yet surprisingly strong, and witness to many family weddings.
A Kodava bride (image courtesy: Shonali Madapa)
Inspired by nature
Kodava jewelry is inspired by nature – it is common to see patterns and designs representing the sun, moon, the serpent, flora and fauna, and in one instance specifically, the prickly skin of a jackfruit.
The jewelry is typically hollow, characterized by delicate repousse work–a method in which the metal is beaten from the inside into a desired shape or pattern. Gold studded with precious stones is primarily the metal of choice; silver is used only for the hands and feet.
What does stand out though is a clear design influence from an entirely different region. This remains as much of a mystery as are the origins of the Kodavas. The kokkethathi, a crescent-shaped pendant inspired by the moon, does bear a similarity to a pendant found in Oman, as does the peechai kathi, similar to the traditional daggers worn by Omani men. Perhaps this lends credence to one of the many theories on the origins of the Kodavas–a tribe who migrated to India many centuries ago, from the Middle East via land and sea.
Kodava Brides: The Sacred Seven
Tradition dictates Kodava bridal jewelry. Considered a tribute to the seven rishis who did penance at Talakaveri in ancient times and to receive their blessings, Kodava brides of yore wore seven ornaments on their hair, seven earrings, seven chains around the neck, seven bangles and bracelets on their hands and seven ornaments for their feet. Modern Kodava brides do wear similar traditional jewelry, but it is increasingly rare to find a bride who wears all seven required ornaments.
Kodava bridal jewelry (image courtesy: YouTube)
The bride wears a pendant on her forehead with seven gold ornaments of diminishing sizes decorating her braid. The most striking is a crescent-shaped pendant representing the moon. She wears chandelier earrings known as jhumkas in gold, studded with diamonds, rubies, and pearls, with gold chains linked to her hair.
Her seven necklaces include the pathak – a gold coin set with corals, surmounted by a serpent head, symbolic of fertility; the paavale maala – a coral and gold necklace her mother places on her neck the evening before the wedding, and the joomale – a necklace of finely crafted gold beads strung on black thread. She also wears the kokkethathi – a unique crescent-shaped pendant on a chain, the showstopper of all her jewelry. The crescent is surmounted by the head of a serpent, a figure of Goddess Lakshmi, and two birds. A row of descending cabochon rubies and a string of hanging pearls on the edge, complete the design. This pendant bears an uncanny resemblance to the ‘boat’ design that occurs frequently in classical Greek jewelry of the 4th and 5th century BC.
Other jewels such as the adige – a ruby choker with a matching pendant, the paunsara or a chain of gold coins, and the chengole – a thick gold chain, complete the set of ornaments around her neck.
Tradition and grace
On her hands, the bride wears numerous traditional bangles known as kadagas; most are oval and not circular in shape, as a result of which they fit the wrist better. The pimbale is worn first, followed by the jodi kadaga (which appears to be inspired by bamboo and its distinctive nodal points on the stem), and the paunchi, a spiky bracelet inspired by the jackfruit, interspersed with numerous red and black glass bangles and other gold bracelets.
Kodava bridal jewelry (image courtesy: YouTube)
The most fascinating pieces of Kodava bridal jewelry are the silver bracelets and anklets called the kaisara and the kaalpili. Both these ornaments have characteristic rings attached to delicate silver chains that link to a bangle around the wrist or ankle. The intricacy of the design adds to the overall grace that the bride exudes.
A Kodava bride’s silver anklets (image courtesy: Shonali Madapa)
The Kodava bride’s attire is both practical and alluring, a throwback to earlier days when people had to walk long distances through dense forests and perhaps face unexpected attacks from rival clans or wild animals. With her pleats safely out of the way and all corners of the sari pinned in place, the Kodava sari allows unhindered movement and embodies the traditional Kodava way of life, both spirited and practical.
Kodava bridegrooms. Of kupsas, knives, and knotted sashes.
Like his bride, centuries ago, a Kodava bridegroom may have had to fend off rivals or wildlife as he walked long distances from his okka (patrilineal clan home) through dense forests, to the house of his bride and back. The trip was fraught with danger. The bridegroom as well as the males in his party had to be well equipped to deal with this. Consequently, weaponry formed a critical part of the bridegroom’s attire.
The present-day attire of a Kodava bridegroom reflects this aspect of the Kodava’s martial tradition. Knives and a pointed staff were and still are an intrinsic part of a bridegroom’s outfit. Over a long white coat called a kupsa, the bridegroom wears a richly embroidered red brocade silk sash – a chale – around his waist and a thick band of gold or silver on one wrist. His headgear is complemented by a red silk scarf.
A Kodava bride and groom (image courtesy: Shonali Madapa)
Tucked into the front of the sash is a curved knife known as the peechekathi, sheathed in a beautifully ornamented case. Typically, peechekathis are family heirlooms handed down from generation to generation. The sheath, made from silver, ivory, teak, or ebony elaborately embellished with patterns of gold and silver is attached to a silver chain with a thick silver tassel hooked behind to the sash with a small silver disc. From the disc hang several delicately crafted miniature objects including a gun, the Kodava war knife, an ear-pick, and a toothpick. Solely representative of practical and martial traditions, these objects fortunately are not used in public.
A traditional peeche kathi, handed down over generations.(image courtesy: Shonali Madapa)
A heavy thodang or a metal clasp of bronze or silver fixed to the back of the bridegroom’s waist holds the odi kathi, the large Kodava war knife. The bridegroom also carries a waist-high wooden staff called the gejje thande made from ebony, decorated with bands of silver and small bells. The staff ends in a lethal metal point which doubles as a weapon.
The bridegrooms proxy
A unique and less widely known feature of the thande is that it can stand in as proxy for the bridegroom if he cannot be physically present at the wedding. This centuries-old custom reflects the martial heritage of the Kodavas. A man could suddenly be called away to battle, in which case the thande would be carried by the bojakara (best man) to the bride’s home so that ceremonies could proceed.
The bojakara is normally a closely related male who mentors and assists the bridegroom through the wedding ceremonies. Kodava weddings are normally a two-day affair with various rituals performed simultaneously at the bride and bridegroom’s respective okkas, before the final murtha – an auspicious ceremony where a gathering of family, clan members, and community assembles to bless the couple.
Men in Black
If you are invited to a Kodava wedding, besides the resplendent array of dazzling silk sarees worn by the women, be prepared for the men in black. Attired in black kupsas with chales and peechekathis, they provide a striking contrast to the sole wearer of the white kupsa–the bridegroom at his martial best.
The thodang, a heavy metal clasp which holds the odi kathi (a traditional Kodava war knife), placed at the back of the bridegroom’s waist (image courtesy: Shonali Madapa)
What’s most striking about Kodava jewelry, is its intricate and clever use of geometric forms and shapes–the building blocks of any good design vocabulary. Walk down any bye lane of a town in Coorg and you might stumble on a master craftsman, ever willing to show you a craft that has been practiced for centuries.
