In Yellapur taluk of Uttara Kannada district, a special ritual is observed during Deepavali. The practice that is followed by the local people since ancient times is called ‘Holehuliyappana Puje’.
Farmers of the region worship Lord Holehuliyappa (the name translates to ‘river tiger’ in Kannada), situated on the banks of River Bedthi, and pray to him to protect the cattle. During Deepavali, they offer coconuts to Holehuliyappa. As per the norms set by people themselves, they offer one coconut per one ox.
It is said that in the olden days, tigers that lived in the thick forest around used to hunt cattle, thus affecting the farmers. To protect the cattle from the tiger, the farmers decided to worship Lord Holehuliyappa. It has continued to this day, and along with coconut, farmers also offer fruits, flowers, butter and milk to the god.
The festival starts for them only after this ritual is performed. Approximately, 15,000 coconuts are offered to the god during Deepavali.