A ‘Banyan Tree’ planting ceremony was organised by the Madikeri Kodava Samaj at the Kol Mand site at Mann’s Compound near the General Thimmaiah District Stadium, and MLAs and the MP initiated the event by planting a banyan sapling on Friday.
Those present included Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda, former MLC Veena Achaiah, MUDA Chairman Rajesh Yalappa, former Kodava Samaj President Konganda S. Devaiah, Madikeri Kodava Samaj President Manduvanda P. Muthappa, Vice-President K.A. Devayya, Padma Shri awardee Rani Machaiah, Napoklu Kodava Samaj President Mundanda C. Nanaiah, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy member Chotteyanda Sanju Kaverappa, Omkareshwara Temple President Chummi Devaiah, former ZP President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Municipal Council member Anita Poovaiah, member Appanna, Kodava Samaj Secretary Boppanda Sarala, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Raj Organisation District President Thennira Maina, and others.  Speaking later, A.S. Ponnanna said that the Madikeri Kol Mand site has a history of over 250 years, and that it is special that Kodava culture and arts are showcased here during the Puattari (Huttari) festival.
He noted that due to the heavy rains this year, a large banyan tree had fallen, and therefore a new banyan sapling was being planted and grown, which is noteworthy. The Kol Mand site holds a revered place and must be protected, he said.
The tree was planted with traditional rituals, and it must be nurtured, he added.
Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said that even today, one can see a banyan or peepal tree in every village. Similarly, it is unique that Kodava culture and arts are showcased at the Kol Mand site. He announced that if the Kodava community requests, funds will be provided either personally or by the government for the development of this site.
MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar said that the peepal tree holds a special place in Indian culture and traditions, and planting a new tree at the Kol Mand site supports the preservation of Kodava cultural practices.
The Kol Mand site is a part of Kodava culture and must be continued, he said.
Former MLC Veena Achaiah said that the Kol Mand site is an important part of Kodava culture, especially in the display of Kodava arts.
Madikeri Kodava Samaj Vice-President K.A. Devayya welcomed the dignitaries. Guests were welcomed with Dudi percussion.
