Report and pics from Mahesh Pucchappady
Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (RD)

Sullia, Feb 12: The traditions and heritage of Tulu Nadu is not only significant but also incomparable. Some of these traditions which are very unique to this region have established Tulu Nadu as home of various cultures and traditions. The ‘Keddasa’ celebrations during the first half of the Gregorian calendar year is one such tradition which is so much unique to Tulu Nadu. 

‘Keddasa’ celebrations are being held here from Sunday, February 10 to Tuesday, February 12.

‘Keddasa’ celebrations are traditionally held during January – February every year.  It is being celebrated with fervour even to this day at Mogra, in Guttigar village here which is an abode of folk art. The veteran folk dancers and performers of Bhootaradane, begin their rounds around the neighbouring villages singing folklore and dancing, ahead of ‘Keddasa’ who are offered groceries by rural folks.

The folklore conveys the traditions followed during ‘Keddasa’ such as keeping open the door of spirits worship all through the three days of ‘Keddasa’, rural folks going on a hunting spree, not to axe either raw or dry tree; in a nutshell not to cause any damage to mother earth.  The rural folks explain that ‘Keddasa’ is celebrated for three days assuming that the mother earth goes through 3 days of menstruation. The rural folks celebrate this event, by not causing any damage, applying turmeric and edible oil on the ground.

There lies the logic behind celebrating ‘Keddasa’.  The scientific version is that we have to develop inclination to worship mother earth at least for three days in a year; since we reap benefits throughout the year.  The annual hunting spree was undertaken by all the rural folks, in order to control the wildlife attacking the crops.  The technology was not so developed in the olden era. However, the wildlife has become scarce in the present times even though hunting is a thing of the past.

‘Keddasa’ in the past had fostered communal harmony of rural folks.  However, at the jet set age of present times, ‘Keddasa’ celebrations are losing their sheen.