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| COORG
Kodagu, Coorg fondly known as Scotland of India is a small picturesque hill station, perched
on the Western Ghats. It is a small district of the state of Karnataka with a distinct culture, unique
customs and traditions. The people of Coorg are known as Kodavas or Coorgs. They are supposed
to belong to the Kshatriya clan. The misty hills, lush green valleys, evergreen forests, meandering brooks
beckon nature lovers for a tranquil sojourn.
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PEOPLE AND CULTURE
The people of Coorg predominantly belong to Kodava community, but other communities like the Gowdas, Airis, Ammakodavas, Heggades etc. also live here. The British called this land asCoorg and the Kodavas as Coorgs. Their physical attributes
Strongly indicate an Aryan ancestry. There are different theories and opinions on their
Origin. The attire of Coorg men i.e., “Kuppya” and “Chele” or waistband shows Central
Asian influence. The knot on the right shoulder of the saree of the women shows a similarity with the knot of the ancient Greek women called “Chitton”.
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strong resemblance to Greek jewelry. The have a distinct culture, dialect, food habit, dress, ceremonies, festivals and customs. Coorg language is called the “Kodava Thak”
This dialect which has no script is a mixture of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam languages . Kerala influences Coorg architecture. All the temples and the ‘Iyn mane’ (heritage houses) are built typically in Kerala style. Coorg women are known for their beauty and the men for their valor. Coorgs are friendly and hospitable people. They love
to maintain a neat and elegant home.
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Coorgs bow and touch the feet of elders while greeting and parting as a mark of respect. They are essentially ancestor worshippers. During formal ceremonies and festivals the eldest in the family prays to the Karana (the original Cauvery and Lord Igguthappa. Lord
Igguthappa is the incarnation of Subramanya. On every happy occasion before anyone partakes of liquor and food, a little liquor and small portions of all the dishes prepared,
Is kept next to a lamp lit in a corner as offerings to the ancestors.
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DRESS
Coorg men originally wore a black, button less, short sleeved, V-neck, calf length coat, called the “Kuppya” and a ‘Chaley’, which is a deep red silk waist band with gold brocade. The ‘Peechekathi’ or dagger is tucked in the sash at the right side.
The headgear (mande thuni) is a white turban with gold brocaded border tied round the
Head in a special way. The “Odikathi” is also tucked in the sash at the back on special occasions like weddings. Women wear the sari in a distinct fashion with the pleats tucked
At the back and the pallu brought over the right shoulder and pinned with a brooch to hold
It in place. This attire is one of its kind in the whole world.
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SONGS AND DANCES OF COORG
Coorg have a folk song and dance for every occasion. The songs are very meaningful.
For example, the Dudikottu Paatu is sung during the wedding ceremony and temple festival
and the Chaavu Paatu is sung during death ceremonies. Puthari Aaat, Bolakaat, Ummathaat, Kolaat,
Parekali, Olagathaat and Kathiyaat are some of the fold dances of the Coorgs which are performed during
traditional festivals like Kailpoldhu and Puthari.
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COORG WEDDING
Coorg wedding are performed without the priests. It is a two day ceremony. The elders perform the rituals and bless the couple. Coorg marriages are in the ‘Ghandarva’ style i.e., by exchanging garlands. Coorgs call the ‘Mangalsutra’ as ‘Pathaak’ and it is tied by the bride’s mother on the oorukuduva day. The formal preparation for the wedding starts
The day before the wedding day. This is the oorukuduva day (when the villagers get together to help with the preparations) or the Karikmuripa day (the day when the vegetables and meat are cut for the wedding) This day is normally celebrated separately in the bride and the groom’s house. Since Coorg marriage was a marriage by conquest,
The groom cutting six banana stumps in the bride’s place symbolically depicts it.
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The banana stumps represent the opposition against the marriage. Liquor and non-vegetarian
(Pork) food is a must in all Coorg weddings. After the formal wedding the groom and bride has to draw water from the well after breaking a coconut with the groom’s ‘Peechekathi’ and carry a pitcher of water on her head accompanies by two girls from the
Groom’s family to the kitchen. The groom’s family members dance to the dance to the music of the drums and pipes called the Volaga, in front of the bride while she walks
With the pitcher of water. Symbolically, the carrying of water to the kitchen is the first
And most important task of the new bride. By carrying the water to the Kitchen, the bride
Not only establishes her stamina but also ushers the blessings bestowed by the sacred river Cauvery.
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FESTIVALS OF COORG
Kailpoldhu (Ayduha Pooja) of Coorgs is celebrated in the first week of September. September marks the completion of the transplantation of the paddy seedlings. Kailpoldhu
Festival is celebrated at the time when the hard work of ploughing and planting comes
To an end. This signifies the commencement of the hunting season. Kailpoldhu or the festival of arms, is the day when all the weapons and arms like swords, daggers and guns
Are cleaned and worshipped. The occasion is marked by festivities that include a great
Feast of which the main course is the pork (pandhi) curry and kadumbuttu (rice dumplings) The feast is followed by a gathering of the family in the ‘Manth’ or an open space in the village for sports and games. Competitions in athletics and marksmanship
Are held. The very next day the members used to set out for the hunt, which lasted for many days.
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CAUVERY SANKARAMANA
Cauvery Sankaramana is celebrated in the middle of October on the ‘Tula Sankaramana’ day. River
Cauvery is worshipped as Goddess by the Coorgs. On this auspicious day at a pre-determined time,
the springs at the ‘Kundike’, i.e., the small tank at Talacauvery, get
Naturally activated and the holy water gushes out. Goddess Cauvery spurts to the top of
The small tank, which is the origin of river Cauvery and fills the bigger holy tank at Talacauvery.
On this day thousands of pilgrims come here for a holy dip from the neighbouring districts and states.
The holy water from the small tank is filled in bottles and is taken to every house in Coorg.
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