Puttari festival(ಪುತ್ತರಿ ನಮ್ಮೆ) also known as Huttari in the adjacent parts of Karnataka is one of the 3 major festivals of Coorg or Kodagu. The word puttari in kodava takk means 'new rice' and Puttari Namme is thus the rice harvesting festival celebrated in Coorg.
This festival usually falls by November end or mid of December. The preparations for the same however begins a week in advance.
Traditionally on this day all the family members gather in their family house called ain mane. The house and the way to the field is beautifully decorated using flowers, mango and banana leaves. Mango and banana leaves are considered auspicious. Traditional food is prepared for the feast which includes thambuttu, a dish made of rice flour eaten with banana, kalanji, poli poli and payasa( a sweet dish cooked in milk).
The family first assembles at the puja place where the head of the family is handed over a sickle to initiate the harvesting process. A woman from the family with a lit lamp leads him and other family members to the paddy field through the decorated path.
On reaching the fields a gun shot is fired. This indicates the start of harvesting. Then the head of the family begins the symbolic harvesting by cutting the stacks of rice chanting 'Poli Poli Deva'. These stacks are then tied in odd nos. and are taken back home where it is offered to the Almighty.
However, the Puttari celebration does not ends here. All the money recieved from the performances is collected and a lavish communal dinner mostly consisting of meat dishes like pork curry, fish curry and alcohols, is organised aftr one week of the Puttari festival keeping the festival and celebrations alive. Even in cities Kodavas get together and celebrate this festival with all rituals and enthusiasm keeping up the Kodava spirit and culture . To that Poli Poli Deva!
This festival usually falls by November end or mid of December. The preparations for the same however begins a week in advance.
Traditionally on this day all the family members gather in their family house called ain mane. The house and the way to the field is beautifully decorated using flowers, mango and banana leaves. Mango and banana leaves are considered auspicious. Traditional food is prepared for the feast which includes thambuttu, a dish made of rice flour eaten with banana, kalanji, poli poli and payasa( a sweet dish cooked in milk).
The family first assembles at the puja place where the head of the family is handed over a sickle to initiate the harvesting process. A woman from the family with a lit lamp leads him and other family members to the paddy field through the decorated path.
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| Symbolic harvesting *Image courtesy: kodavahockeyfest.com |
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| Returning from the paddy fields *Image courtesy: The Hindu dated 17-3-12 |
Puttari is celebrated with a great pomp and show. All the members present for the festival wear their traditional dresses i.e Kupya chale for men and Coorgi saree for females. The young generation of the family burst crackers and present a variety of folk dances and songs. They also recieve monetary gifts for their skills and performances.
However, the Puttari celebration does not ends here. All the money recieved from the performances is collected and a lavish communal dinner mostly consisting of meat dishes like pork curry, fish curry and alcohols, is organised aftr one week of the Puttari festival keeping the festival and celebrations alive. Even in cities Kodavas get together and celebrate this festival with all rituals and enthusiasm keeping up the Kodava spirit and culture . To that Poli Poli Deva!
ಕೊಡಗಿನ,ಕೊಡವರು ನಿಜವಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಬಂದಿರೂದು?
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