Kodagu is a place where all the elements of nature come together in a terrific interplay. One of the world’s special places where rivers flow, where forests breathe, where all forms of life thrive. Having born and brought up in the Cauvery basin,the river makes me feel nostalgic, as children we played or spent silent evenings with Cauvery. I always felt dearer as she has raised us with love. Cauvery is not just the river, a chief deity,mother Goddess who generates oodles of emotions in the people of Kodagu. Changrandhi which falls on every October 18th is considered as one of the most sacred festivals in Kodagu. It is a festival to celebrate the birth of river Cauvery. People of Kodagu spend their entire year waiting for the most joyous month to pay their traditional tribute to river Cauvery.
In the heart of the picturesque Kodagu district, there exists a timeless tradition that not only invokes the blessings of Goddess Cauvery but also symbolizes the resilience and unity of the kodava community. The annual Talacauvery changrandhi Nadupu, a walk from Bhagamandala to the birth place of Talacauvery holds profound significance for the kodava people especially in today’s challenging times. It is a walk to celebrate our chief deity. It’s a walk to thank river Cauvery to for all the abundant blessings showered on the people of Kodagu. As a community of nature worshippers, we think ourselves as the offspring of the river because it originates from our land, it courses through our lives, from the time we are born until the day we die. The sacred procession which takes place during the annual Holy Cauverytheerthodbava sees thousands of kodavas in their traditional attire which showcases the deep- rooted connection between the kodava community and their beloved river. On October 17th this year, Kodavas again unite the awe- inspiring procession. However the importance of this event goes beyond mere religious rituals, which carries a message of cultural preservation, identity in unity that cannot be overlooked. As we walk the path, let us remember that this tradition not only connect us to our roots but also empowers us to protect our cultural legacy. A legacy of courage where each heart beat echoes the bravery of our bloodline. For Kodavas, this event is not just a walk,it is a declaration of their identity, a testament of their existence and a reaffirmation of their cultural heritage. It is a way to let the world know that they are the first and only inhabitants of Kodavas and their devotion to mother Cauvery is unwavering. Let us see Cauvery flowing with joy. She is the very essence of strength, grace and pride. We are honoured to be her child, carrying forward our kodava legacy.
May Goddess Cauvery bless all of us and let us pledge to protect our flora and fauna and our ecology as a mark of respect to mother Cauvery.
Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah
