HISTORICAL DASARA NEARING

The historical Madikeri Dasara festival is nearing. The real colour starts from the 4th of October.” Kundurumotte Chouti Mariamma, Dandina Mariamma, Kote Mariamma and Kanchi Kaamaakshi” are the four historical “Karagas” mark the beginning of Dasara Festival at Madikeri. This traditional movement commences from “pampinakere” centre. All the 4 “Karaga” deities are worshipped on a stone platform at this centre before the movement in town. The selected middle aged representatives who follow the strict rites would carry the “karagas” on their hairless scalp .The Karaga holders move with traditional dances throughout the Madikeri town including the residential areas; They dance with the divine felt sticks without hand support to the figures on their heads. The Karaga holders should strictly follow the traditional restrictions since a month itself. They carry the metallic facial figures of the Goddesses on their heads.

Nine days Karagas move in the town and the devotees will be satisfied with performance of Poojas in front of their houses only. The Karaga festival was carried even during the ruling of Veeraraja and langaraja Vodeyars who ruled Kodagu during 18th centaury.

Madikeri Dasara festival called “Janotsava” has another attraction .Various cultural programmes will be conducted from Oct. 5th to Oct.13th. 6 days programmes will be orgonised in Town hall and other three days at open platform at Gandhi Maidan to accommodate thousands of spectators. On 13th Dasara night Sangam team led by Ramesh Chandra of Bangalore will give “Music Nite”.The whole night will be illuminated .Lakhs of people witness Dasara. The main part of Dasara is the movement of 10 figurines with luminous lights. The varieties of earthen statuettes exhibit the real nature of fight against the evils, killing of demons by Gods and Goddesses with a proper religious background. Since recent years the show has been so much liked by the witnessers due to the lively movement of figures in such a manner so as to be the peoples’ mind almost merged with the scrupulous chronicle stories.

The ten decorated figurines participate even to get the first prize, which is being considered as prestigious one. Lakshs of people will be scattered to witness the figurines, the orchestra, the attractive shop decorations with some figurine shows. Throughout the night people will be moving as if in day time. The whole town will be provided temporary and special lights by the Dasara Committee. Last year Govt. has released Rs. 10 lakh for Madikeri Dasara. This year the committee is asking for the release of Rs. 15 lakh.

PHOTO: Last Year’s figurine

PUTTARI FESTIVAL ON DECEMBER 15;

Padi sree Iggutappa Bhaktajana Sanga president Muthappa has announced that the traditional Puttari festival falls on 15th of December.

He has said that Kalladcha festival linked to Puttari falls on the previous day and timings to cut the first crop (kadiru) would be informed after consulting the astrologers.

LEFTIST PARTIES HOLD RALLY;

Leftist parties, labor unions and farmers associations today held a massive rally and took out processions in the main streets of the town.

Placard holding protestors shouted slogans against state and central governments. About 40 Demands pertaining to laborers, employees, district and farmers were presented to the Deputy Commissioner in a memorandum.

Union leaders Peter Lobo, Pramodh and others addressed the massive gathering.

Traffic in the town went haywire as the serpentine procession went through the main roads. Government offices, Banks and other institutions observing strike wore deserted look with empty chairs.

SET BACK FOR HYDEL PROJECT;

The mini Hydel project being approved by the government found a setback with the Deputy commissioner sending a report to government.

The project to be taken up at Gaalibeedu – Abbi falls has been receiving opposition from many quarters and the DC said that implementation of the same may hamper peace in the region.

Processions and protests supporting and opposing the project are taking place by two factions. A group of people were holding dharna since nine days demanding the project be cancelled. The dharna was called off yesterday after the deputy commissioner sent the report to the government.