‘Ban serving of liquor during traditional Kodava marriage’

During the meeting convened by Tiribolcha Kodava Sangha, it was resolved to change the terminology used in traditional Kodava marriage.

Instead of the term 'Ganga puja' referred to the ritual of the bride bringing water, one should use 'Chana Neer Kaipo'. Also, the ritual should be conducted in the Ainmane house of the bridegroom, the meeting resolved.

During the meeting held at Kodava Samaja, Madikeri, the shortcomings in the ritual of 'Moodi Neered Papo' (Chana Neer Kaipo) were discussed.

The meeting resolved to ban the serving of liquor during 'Chana Neer Kaipo'. The water should be removed from the 'Nellakki Nadubade' of the house within one hour of placing water on the bride's head. Only the brothers of the bridegroom should bring the 'Kare'.

Liquor should not be consumed when the bride carries water. Nobody should stop her while she is carrying water. The water carried by the bride should be considered as the 'Theertha' of River Cauvery and should be respected. The bride should be given a new name. Handing over rose to the bride, cutting the cake, popping champagne should not be carried out on the occasion, were other resolutions.

"All these resolutions should be displayed in the bride's room. The parents of the bride and groom, members of all Kodava Samaja, other Kodava associations, Takka heads and Okkada Pattedars should ensure that the resolutions are adhered to strictly. Awareness should be created among the Kodava community on the same," said Ulliyada Dati Poovaiah.

Presiding over the programme, Tiribolcha Kodava Sangha president Ulliyada Dati Poovaiah said that 'Kodavame', which is one of the unique rituals in the country, was followed in Kodagu, with utmost devotion.

"But, with the change in time, new practices were incorporated. Kodava culture should be preserved in its purest form," she said.

Kodava Samaja Federation president Kallichanda Vishnu Cariappa said that the rituals in the Kodava community, right from the birth of a child, are unique. All Kodava Samaja should create awareness on preserving the Kodava culture.

"There might have been changes in several rituals during floods and Covid-19 pandemic. But, the Kodavas should not let their tradition and culture get adulterated," he added.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah said that Kodava marriage has its own significance. All resolutions directed towards preserving the sanctity of Kodava culture should be followed. Awareness should be created among youth in this regard.

She also said that the academy is working on Kodava dictionary. Work on including Kodava language in the school syllabus is in progress.

Madikeri Kodava Samaja president Konganda S Devaiah, Ammatti Kodava Samaja president Koodanda Bose Devaiah, Mysuru Kodava Samaja president Miderira Prakash, Makkanduru Kodava Samaja director Kalachandra Pawan, Titibolcha Kodava Sangha director Cheyyanda Satya Ganapathy and Kodava Deenabandhu Charitable Trust president Kadlera Cariappa were present, among others.