The traditional ‘Puthari Kol’ dance, was held at the Madikeri Fort a day after the Puthari festival.
Puthari has been one of the most important festivals of the Kodavas and of Kodagu since time immemorial. During the rule of the Haleri Rajas, it was customary for Kodavas to assemble in Madikeri, where they expressed their loyalty and devotion to the Haleris’ through song, dance and collective celebration. The Rajas, in turn, hosted and entertained the Kodavas with feasts and festivities that lasted for several days.
Although the practice of grand celebrations at Madikeri came to an end following the East India Company’s exile of the last Raja of Kodagu, Chicka Vira Rajendra, in 1834 -the Puthari Kol being performed at Madikeri Fort has since been revived through the efforts of the Pandira family, who traditionally oversaw this custom.
Speaking at the event organised jointly by the Sri Omkareshwara Temple Management Committee, Madikeri Kodava Samaja, and the Pandira family, former MLA K.G. Bopaiah said it was the collective responsibility of Kodavas to preserve the district’s unique culture and heritage. He said the Puthari Kol holds special significance in this regard.
Before the performance, members of the Pandira family, the Temple Management Committee, and Kodava Samaja leaders offered prayers at the Kote Sri Mahaganapati Temple.
The Pandira family presented traditional performances of Puthari Kolata, Bolakaat and Ummattaat, drawing admiration from the crowd. People of all ages participated enthusiastically.
The Madikeri Kodava Samaja showcased the cultural heritage of Kodagu through performances of Ummattaat, Bolakaat, Kolata and Paraya Kali.
A.C. Devaiah, President of the Sri Omkareshwara Temple Management Committee, presided over the programme. Former President Ramesh Holla, Executive Officer Devaraj, prominent personalities including Napanda Ravi Kalappa, Pandira Mani Kalappa, Pandira Ravi Karumbayya, Pandira Ayyanna, Pandira Muthanna and office-bearers of the Kodava Samaja were present.
