from our special correspondent

Bangalore, Sep 2: The efforts of Maryland Kaveri Kannada Sangha to have a Kodava "Ummattat" folk dance presented at the World Kannada Conference at Baltimore USA have borne fruit.

"Ummattat", a fascinating dance from Kodagu (formerly Coorg), is performed by women in a circle on the stage.

File photo of 'Ummattat' dance performed at Kodava Samaj, Chikmagalur (Courtesy: Deccan Herald)

The troupe from Bangalore is going to perform several forms of Kodava (Coorgi) dances on the occasion. The "Ummattat" dance format is believed to have originated in Devanageri in southern Kodagu. A few years ago, it was presented at the Republic Day parade in Delhi.

The dance is almostt a mandatory part of any cultural programme in Kodagu schools and colleges.

The troupe consists of Ponnachettira Neema Thimmaiah, Chimmanamada Muthamma Poovaiah, Baliamidera Ashita Shankar, Mallengada Sudha Muthanna, Noorera Harini Muthappa, Mukkatira Shalini Ponnappa and  Bottolanda Gayitri Uthappa, who will represent Karnataka.

This is perhaps the very first troupe to visit abroad to perform on an official basis, although there are ethnic Kodava organizatios functioning in different parts of the world, including the Gulf.

The Kodava association in Muscat, founded by Biddatanda T Subbaiah (Madan) and Rohini couple of Indiranagar here while they lived there, has been functioning very vibrantly for over two decades.