Mangalore: Keddasa, Tulunadu’s Rich Tradition to Venerate Mother Earth Celebrated  
Pics:Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (RS/SB)  

Mangalore, Feb 13: Keddasa, an annual ritual of offering veneration to land, especially in Tulunadu along the undivided Dakshina Kannada district was celebrated at the Town Hall on Saturday February 13. Tulu Sahitya Academy and Taluk Women’s Federation organized the programme as an attempt to carry forward the traditional values of the district. 

District in-charge minister Krishna J Palemar inaugurated the programme. Speaking on the occasion, Palemar said that the rich Tuluva culture will survive only if the legacy is carried on and through the celebration of such festivals the generation next will learn to value it. The undivided Dakshina Kannada district collectively called Tulunadu has worshipped nature more than the gods, he observed. 

Keddasa and other such customs of the region teaches us the values of tradition as well as the life style, he said adding that government is also doing its bit to help of preserving the rich land and plant species.  

During the programme, the ritual involved in Keddasa was perfomed by members of women’s organization. The members offered puja to the land with the belief that earth is a Goddess. Farmers in Dakshina Kannada district perform this puja in return to blessings she showers through helping them grow abundant crops as well as indulge in various agricultural activities. This day as part of ritual the farmers do not involve themselves in agricultural activities to provide rest to the mother earth. 

Retired teacher K M Rohini gave a lecture on Keddasa and the way it is celebrated. Tulu Academy registrar Chandrahasa Rai, Vijayalaxmi B Shetty, president of women’s organization and liiterateur Bhaskar Rai Kukkuvalli were also present.