The Codava National Council (CNC), which has been pursuing ten constitutional aspirations including recognition of the indigenous, mono-ethnic, animistic Kodava tribe by the United Nations, will continue to assert its demand for constitutional rights of Codavaland, including geo-political autonomy, internal political self-determination and self-governance, CNC President N.U. Nachappa stated in a press release.
Extending New Year greetings, N.U. Nachappa wished people prosperity, happiness, peace and tranquility on the occasion of the Global New Year 2026. He stated that while the indigenous Kodava people celebrate their traditional New Year “EdmyaarOnd” on April 14 as per the solar calendar, the CNC also encourages celebration of the globally recognised New Year on January 1.
He emphasised that the CNC strongly advocates the preservation of Kodava identity while promoting openness and respect for diverse cultures worldwide. The organisation reflects the aspirations of the indigenous Kodava people with both national and global perspectives.
January 1 is universally accepted as the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar and is officially recognised by the United Nations and its 193 member countries, including India, which observes it as a restricted holiday.
Many religious, ethnic and cultural groups across the world celebrate their own New Years based on solar or lunar calendars, including Nowruz, Rosh Hashanah, Hijri, Baisakhi, Ugadi, Pongal, Bisu and Edmyaar. Despite this diversity, January 1 has been accepted globally without objection.
The Kodava New Year, celebrated on April 14, was revived by the CNC 31 years ago and is observed annually with cultural fervour, showcasing Kodava folklore, heritage, animistic faith, Kodava Panchaga and connection to the native land.
N.U. Nachappa appealed for an open-minded approach, urging people to celebrate both the Gregorian New Year and the traditional Kodava New Year with equal joy. On behalf of the indigenous Kodava tribe, the CNC wished people across the world a happy and prosperous New Year and expressed hope that 2026 would bring peace, freedom from prejudice and success in all endeavours.
