Mangalore: 'Holi Khel' - Kudmi Community's Gift to Konkan Traditions

from Melka Miyar - pics - Austin Pinto
for Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

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Mangalore, Apr 14: When Konkani people migrated from Goa to the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, they brought with them their rich and vibrant culture also. The ‘Kudmi’ community located in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi is a community that has existed for centuries and made significant contributions to Konkani culture. 'Holi Khel,' known as 'Sigma Khel' in Goa is an example of this rich culture preserved by the Konkans.

About 30,000 Kudmi community people live in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district, that is from Konaje to Kundapur and ‘Holi Khel’ is one of the most important event in their calendar. The festival is normally held after Holi and before Ugadi.

Holi Khel plays an important role in maintaining a strong bond between families of the community as the participation in this ritual is compulsory.

A specific number of families are divided as ‘Vado’ and the Holi Khel is performed in front of the house of the Vado head. The Vado consists of various clans and new members of the clans are also required to compulsorily participate in the festivities. If they fail to attend Holi Khel, they are penalized or banished from the society, says Gopal Gowda, cultural activist in Kudmi community.

The male members of each family get ready attired in orange and yellow coloured dresses, tying anklets on to their legs and donning a crown of jasmine and Kanakambara flowers on their heads. After worshipping the God and seeking blessings of their elders, they start their journey towards the house of the Vado head.

The rituals start in front of the Tulsi square and the head of the Vado prays to God to guard them from all evils during Holi Khel celebrations. Soon after this small prayer, they start beating ‘Ghumat’ which is made out of clay pot and skin of monitor lizard and Holi Khel begins.

According to sources, Sriram is the God they usually worship. During Holi Khel, persons who gather in coloured dresses narrate Ramayan stories through songs. This Holi Khel continues for more than 9 hours. ‘Thoniyan Khel,’ which is performed by using sticks is also one of the important aspects of Holi Khel and is very attractive too.

Kudmi community has been largely dependent on agriculture for centuries. Now this community is looking towards white-collared jobs. But the transition has not affected their culture so far, instead, it has helped them exhibiting their art in various parts of India. They have already performed this art in various places like Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Cochin, Delhi etc and at the same time some Kudmi community members have been successful in getting fellowship from the department of tourism and culture of the union government. This is a clear indication that the traditional art which strongly merged with religion has been successful in spreading its wings across the country.

It is now up to the Kudmi community to retain this culture amidst the attack of western influence and globalization. In the 21st century where youngsters seem to have lost touch with thier ancient traditions, it is going to be a challenging task to carry forward this unique festivity for generations to come.

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