Silvester D' Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)

Kundapur, Mar 5: Kudubi community is known for hard work. They indulge in agriculture and are all by themselves. Their main festival is Holi. They celebrate the feast from Holi full moon till the specified days. The background of their Holi celebrations is not colour. It is a tradition. One should go to innermost parts of rural areas to know it.

The special celebrations of Holi including dance and celebrations take place in Mardi, Ajri gram panchayat, Kundapur. Tulaja Bhavani is the deity of Kudubi Naika. They hold devotion to the deity, together with singing and dances. Their celebrations conclude on the third day of Holi. The celebrations commence on Holi full moon days. Men from every Kudubi Naik community compulsorily take part in it. One group dresses up Holi costumes. They hold traditional drums and the other group wears dhoti with traditional musical instruments.

More than 50 people walk round in the village for three days dancing from house to house. There is a belief that their arrival brings about prosperity. Therefore, villagers welcome them applying cow dung to the yards of the houses. The heads of the houses honour them and present rice and other gifts. The Holi teams bless them and proceed.

The Holi groups contact all the houses. They assemble at Tulaja Bhavani temple on the third day and take part in several celebrations till the afternoon. People of the villages and Kudubi community offer special pooja followed by dances in front of the deity. The Bhajans are in the way praising the deity. There are different styles of dances including Kolata and other mediums. Members of Naika community of all ages take part in Kolata. Only men perform Holi dances.

The costumes of the dancers of Kudubi Naika are unique from other Holi dances. They do not paint their faces. They tie musical anklets to their feet. Their costumes are similar to Tenkuthittu Yakshagana. They wear triangular crown. They do not wear sandals during house visits. They remain in camps without consuming meat. Free meals are served after Mangalarathi. They maintain ancient beliefs even during these days of science.