Every year, during the months of April and May,different villages in kodagu celebrate an interesting festival called “BOAD NAMME ” . Usually these celebrations are associated with shrines of Badrakali. Local participants engage in fun and frolic, dressing up in various costumes and make up for a day of house visits within the village.
“BOAD” in Kodava language means to beg or request. “NAMME” translates to festival. Thus the BOAD NAMME can be loosely called as the festival in which the people of kodagu request Goddess to grant their wishes.
This festival is a long- standing tradition in kodagu reflecting the community’s cultural heritage and beliefs . It brings together villagers for a day of celebration and social interaction, strengthening community bonds. The festival promotes social interaction and bonding among community members, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.
During Boad Namme, people typically visit homes ,singing traditional songs or performing small skits in exchange for food or Alms. Thus the festival is often marked by a sense of joy and community spirit. This is also known as the festival of cross dressing in kodagu wherein men and boys attire themselves as women and girls.
After changrandhi the Boad Namme in kodagu begins, starts in Kundatha Bottlappa Temple.! ” Kundath bottl nedha kudure, parana manil Thandha kudure”. Which means the silver Horse of lord Aiyappa, started from this place (kunda) which roamed in south kodagu. And the festival begins. Kunda Boad namme is supposed to be the first festival of kodagu. Parane namme- the last Boad namme of kodagu is celebrated on 31st of may and 1st of June. The climax occurs when all kudures and Aanes meet at Maani Beal concluding with rounds of worship and the symbolic chopping of the holy kudures and Aanes. That concludes the Boad namme all over kodagu.
Boad namme typically find its celebration centered around areas housing, temples dedicated to Badra kali. Recently Chembebellor village witnessed the vibrant spectacle of Boad namme, drawing numerous participants who adorned themselves in diverse costumes and make up to part take in the revelry. Some of the entertainers participate in Band kali, where they have mud smeared all over their clothes ,heads ,Arms and legs. Some others ” Puli vesha” ( Tiger guise) performers wear shorts and have their bodies painted in Tiger skin patterns. Overall this looks beautiful, soulful, most attended and attractive too.
The festival has grown more elaborate each passing year, with devotees creating innovative costumes that combine religious devotion with entertainment for onlookers.
The tribal community members from across kodagu observe Boad namme, which showcases their ingenious traditions. Last Thursday of May every year devotees from the kuruba tribe hurl the foulest of abuses During the 2nd day festival at the Aiyappa and Badrakali temple. It essentially started as a festival of seeking Alms that would later be offered at temples. Kurubas are of the belief that abusing and condemning their deities once a year is a healthy way of testing their God’s love and loyalty. Smeared in mud and cross dressed ,this community too visit houses in the village, collecting Alms. They all gather to unleash a barrage of insults and curses directed towards Lord Aiyappa. This act serves as a symbolic expression of the grievances, unfilled desires, and over looked blessings.
Over all , Boad namme is the festival which is characterized by vibrant costumes, Flamboyant makeup and various props and symbolizing the mischievous and playful nature that has become synonymous with the event over generations.
KODANDERA MAMATHA SUBBAIAH.
