A familiar Malnad sight

It was a common sight till recently to spot people from the Malnad region wearing this hood called Goraga or Gorabu (in the local parlance) to protect them from rain while working in the fields.

Goragas made out of bamboo or cane and toddy leaves were a ubiquitous part of a farmer’s house in Malnad. There was a specific place for Goragas; near the fire-side.
Goragas prepared by using bamboo or cane slits woven together with toddy leaves form a conical cover. Weighing about eight-ten kilos, the Goraga is capable of withstanding heavy storms and rain.

Think about the monsoon and you always get a picture of the Goraga for those who have seen Malnad and coastal districts for the last few decades.
With passage of time, toddy leaves have been replaced by plastic. Also, Goragas themselves are disappearing from the scene.