CLN is circulating a very meaningful message from the Desha Thakka, Igguthappa Baktha Jana Sangha President, Akhila Kodava Samaja President Pardanda Subramani Kaveriappa regarding the Kumbhyar Kaladcha Namme which was celebrated yesterday at the Padi Sri Igguthappa Temple.
In essence, the occasion of the Kumbhyar Kaladcha festival is to pray for rains particularly for the paddy cultivation. Traditionally the ongoing custom is to worship Mother Nature, subsequently by ploughing the sacred earth on Edamyaar Ondh and seeking blessings for a bountiful crop.
Being an agrarian community, we seek the grace of Kaveramma, Igguthappa, the blessings of our respective Guru Karonas for timely rains and good crops through the year; fodder for Choma (cattle); lush green forests with enough sustenance for all the animals, birds, bees and other living creatures; and for our lives to be filled with light so that we should do our best to preserve Mother Earth – as is the core of our tradition.
Similarly, at the end of the calendar year, towards end November/early December Deboova Birchiyar Kaladcha Namme coincides with our most celebrated Puthari Festival. Typically, lamps are lit from the paddy fields to the AineMane, Aarvada (that includes Aiyappa, Guliga…Sthana, Pathaaya), Kaimada and so on to show the path to our Guru Karonas, Gods, village spirits for bestowing protection of the family and of the bountiful crops.
Sharing these thoughts with elders and Kodavas familiar/practicing our customs in and around NalNad, some very interesting and important thoughts emerged:
– Paddy was central to our existence as a community in Kodagu, prior to large scale cultivation of Coffee. Offerings at Igguthappa and Talekaveri was done with paddy/rice grown in one’s own paddy fields – including the much revered practice of Tulabara. Sadly, much of the offerings of rice is now bought in commercial quantities grown outside of Kodagu as offerings and finds it way back – intact – to a shop in Kakkabe. That defeats the very purpose of the sacred offerings that are being made! Transparency, Integrity and Accountability are the cornerstones of the Kodava way of Life.
– When we pray for rain, we enter into an intangible contract to grow crops – not just blossom showers for coffee, but to grow paddy. Cultivation of paddy fields is essential for maintaining the ground water table of the land. Everything cannot be measured in commercial terms – we have also got to maintain the balance that Mother Nature tries with all Her might, despite every illogical action of humans – clearing forests, shrinking/disappearing Devarkadus, burgeoning irresponsible tourism: the logical whiplash being climate change, natural calamities and so on.
– Large scale Coffee cultivation in Kodagu was introduced in the district by the British where they cleared the bamboo forests and other thick vegetation without a thought. The same is the case with Tea plantations, elsewhere. Post-Independence, coffee cultivation has probably quadrupled, with everyone trying to irrigate the land. It is hardly surprising that the streams are dry, there are no bees for pollination – where are we headed?
– A Group of elders reminded us to imagine what it must have taken for our revered ancestors to clear the jungle and create the paddy fields; build AineManes and create an inclusive culture that has lasted thousands of years. Without Paddy we would not be what we are today. How many grow native Boliya rice? There are a few households who still grow paddy year after year to eat “safe chemical free” food grains. While there are those who have valid concerns on wildlife destruction of crops – spare a thought of what it must have been like in the olden days! (The topic of Human-Animal conflict is an entirely new topic to write about).
Land NEVER lets people down. Inherited land should never be parted with. We have to earn the right to enjoy, nurture and pass on the culture that we have inherited for future generations by our Ancestors.
To end on a positive note – the recent spectacular Kodavaame Balo march showed the resolute, calm, peaceful yet determined character of the Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas. Could a similar resolve be undertaken to grow Paddy for Nature’s sake and to save our sacred land? This appeal was made to the President of Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS) who was quick to humbly respond that AKS merely provided the banner for Kodavaame Balo event and there were quiet, self-effacing people who provided the momentum to galvanise the pride, passion and commitment of the community at large. We need a similar resolve for all paddy fields to be planted again if we are to retain the right to celebrate Puthari and seek the Grace and Blessings of the Guardians of our beloved Kodagu. After all at Puthari the clarion call is Poli, Poli Deva while standing in the Paddy Fields and not in our Coffee Plantations!
Very well articulated! This is a must read.
Very well narrated & thoughtful article. Every Kodava Community member should read this article, so our next generation will be well informed of our Rich Heritage and Culture, which is dependent on Mother Nature and her resources.
In North Kodagu, the influence of Igguthappa is not so profound. However all that has been communicated in the article is applicable to Kodavas as a community.
The weakening of the Thakkame system has resulted in a free for all leadership at all levels resulting in a dilution of respect for Authority. This is visible in educational institutions, at home and in the Nammes held in our villages. Discipline and respect are much needed if we have to improve as financial well-being. The Kodavaame Balo Nadp was an eye-opener in that respect and we should scrupulously build responsible leadership that will look after the needs of the Community at large. Unfortunately our politicians have fallen short in this regard quite badly.
This article is so meaningful and the words of Mr. Subramani Kaveriappa is very clear and to the point. Of late, we have seen a huge number of Kodava culture experts who are more interested in their fame by circulating their message than its contents.
Hailing from Naalnad, the influence of Paadi Sri Igguthappa is all encompassing when we seek blessings and favors for rain and good crops. The article rightly points out that we should also grow paddy/rice as it was the main crop that sustained the livelihood of our ancestors for centuries.
I support the development and resurgence of _Thakkame_ at all levels culminating in a common platform of well being for Kodavas and Kodava Bhasikas under the banner of the Akhila Kodava Samaja (AKS). There is a need to strengthen the organization structure and office bearers with younger, apolitical, selfless service oriented people from different backgrounds. The current President comes across as a quiet but very effective leader as was evidenced in the recent spectacular _Kodavaame Balo walkathon.
Kumbyarl’ maley pojjathengi kundle’ kool”
Igguthappa devastaanthra Kodava thakk’ pareyuva patta nanga kodavala hogalith’ ore thakk’ pareyuva-
ninga……..ee kelasa madatha pochengi Kodava NAASHA aayi popira.
This patta should be asked not to use words like Naasha etc – negative words under any context.
He can say – if you do these, these things, ninga Kodava udhaara aapira.
This well meaning, good Kodava thakk speaking priest ,,,,’ needs to be politely told to alter his discourse.
When we light the morning and evening lamp we need to tell our children – bolicha NANDAAKI.
Not Bolicha kedthi .
That’s the correct mindset and positive use of words by well meaning Kodavas.
Very meaningful and profound article indeed which opens our eyes to save our beautiful land which we have inherited and the rich tradition that we have imbibed from our ancestors have a deep relevance to our own existence. We have to take good care of our land, heritage and culture to pass it to our coming generations.
This article should be read by every kodava to understand the trials and tribulations our forefathers have gone through to leave us such a wonderful legacy called Kodagu. Yes I fully agree with the authors contention that we should not sell the land which we have only inherited from our forefather’s. This land in kodagu majority of which has been inherited doesn’t really belong to us and we are just caretakers till our lifetime and what doesn’t belong to us can never be sold by us or parted at all. Lets just take good care of the land and pass it on to our GEN NEXT.