Unique and Independent: Kodavas of Kodagu by Neria Harish Hebbar, MD

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Unique and Independent
Kodavas of Kodagu – 6

Worship

Kodavas are primarily ancestor worshippers. At their homes they keep an idol of their ancestors to whom they offer prayers and obeisance. It is usually made of clay or wood or covered with sheet metal, and housed in a shrine (kaimada) built near the entrance to the ain-mane. The founder of each okka, the Karanava, is worshipped by the members of each okka. Sometimes it is simply kept on a platform under a sap-exuding tree near the entrance of ain-mane. Some okkas conduct a karana kola, a dance of the ancestral spirit during which a Malayalee migrant dresses in elaborate colorful clothing and dances in a trance and acts as an oracle. During this ceremony he is symbolically possessed by the karanava, the original founder of the particular okka. In every home a lamp called Nellakki Bolucha is lit in honor of the Guru Karana. The lamp in the central hall is lit by the embers of the kitchen hearth every day. Kodavas were also nature worshippers revering sun, moon, earth and fire. Fire of the kitchen hearth is especially sacred.

Kodavas did not have allegiance to Hindu gods, though more recently Hinduism has influenced them enough that they visit Hindu temples. The influence is more gradual as more and more people came in contact with Hindus of Kerala and Dakshina Kannada. Thus Bhagavathi and Chaundi (Chamundi) became recognized goddesses. Mother Kaveri is their Goddess figure and the festival of Kaveri’s birth, Tula Sankramana attracts Hindus from neighboring districts and states to bathe in the sacred river. This custom surely is a later addition to Kodava custom as the concept is purely Aryan in its proceedings. Another goddess, Pannangalatamme is the patron goddess of the original inhabitants of Kodagu. She has a number of brothers as gods; chief among them is the Shaivite Igguthappa who controls the monsoon rains and coffee bean showers. His brothers are Pemmaiah, Thambipan, Paloorappa and Thirunalli. Some of these brothers are Vaishnavite gods, a clear indication of Aryan Hindu influence on this mountain community. Today all the gods of Hindu pantheon are recognized by Kodavas and they are fully integrated into Hindu society. Due to their martial traditions Kodavas consider themselves as Kshatriyas.

Dresses and Dances

The old traditions of Kodavas, before embracing Hinduism are unique and vastly different than Hinduism. None of the festivals, marriages, births or deaths is conducted by a Brahmin priest. Libations and meat are served in these occasions. Some of the customs are reminiscent of old Eurasian and pre-Christian Greek traditions.

The traditional costumes of Kodavas resemble that of the people of Middle East, with a long coat (Kuppya) down to mid-calf with a band of gold trimmed sash (chele) with tassels, across the waist tied in a bow. The ends of this sash hang gracefully over the left thigh.

Traditional clothes
Kuppya (jacket), chele (sash), vastra (turban),
and peeche kathi (dagger)

The coat has a V-neck showing undergarments at the neck and arms. The kuppya is a sort of double-breasted coat with the right wrapping over the left side and stitched on the left side of the chest and trunk. It comes in various colors. The headdress is a piece of cloth (vastra) tied around the head, a turban, with the loose end hanging in the back at the nape of the neck. A bridegroom wears white kuppya with a brocaded white turban and a red brocaded chele.

– Continued

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