Culture in full colour

Manjushree G Naik describes the vibrance and devotion behind Panarata, a biennial celebration seen across Udupi

Panarata, held biennially at Muddu Mane near Mandarthi in Udupi district, is a vibrant cultural celebration. It is centred around the worship of the Muddu Swami (or Muddu Lingamma) deity. The event blends devotion, tradition and entertainment, providing the Panara community with a platform to express gratitude and fulfill vows to the deity through ritualistic dance and theatrical performances.

Performed by the Panara community across Udupi district, the practice spans 12 days, from January 2 to 15. According to one of the performers, Prashanth Panara, the ceremonies begin around eight or nine pm, and continue until midnight in the early days. Each day features unique performances that reflect the community’s faith, artistry and heritage.

Folk religious scholar Gananath Yekkar says that the Panara community, comprising around 25,000 members, is spread across Tulunadu. Their practices, particularly in Panarata, reflect the connection between the community and the Tulu-speaking region.

A key highlight of Panarata is the role of the community members as ‘daiva nartakas’ (spiritual dancers), who don elaborate costumes and enact stories rooted in their ancestry. These performances blend sacred rituals like kola with comedic and entertaining acts, creating a joyful atmosphere where participants and spectators connect with their cultural roots.

The lead-up to the celebration begins in December on Sankramana, with the offering of ‘shesha’ (or akshathe) at the Muddu Lingamma temple premises. From this day onward, the village halts all other festivities. Typically, 12 families lead the kolas, though others are welcome to participate. The rituals honour various deities. 

Women play a significant role: They initiate the 12-day ritual, invite the deity, and conclude with a procession around the temple, singing paddanas and carrying pots of toddy. 

One striking tradition occurs on the 11th and 12th days — this is known as bootharayana anni. On these nights, no one in the village sleeps, as it is believed Bootharaya roams the area, and those who doze off may face fatal consequences. Performers in towering seven to eight-foot costumes enact this ritual, adding a dramatic and spiritual dimension to the celebration.

Families from villages such as Shivapura, Ardi, Karje, Santhekatte, Donderangadi, and Santyar come together to perform the rituals. 

Rangappa Ardi, a performer, highlights how the event unites the community and helps pass on traditions to younger generations. While daiva nartaka performers typically earn up to Rs 12,500 for other events, during Panarata, they set aside personal gain to focus on spiritual devotion, with a maximum earning of Rs 4,500. "We believe that by performing these rituals, the deity protects us throughout the year," says Rangappa.

The final day, featuring the harakeya kola, holds special significance. During this event, performers act out the prayers of devotees, portraying characters such as a bride and groom, a politician seeking election victory, or a sick person hoping for recovery. They even depict animals like pigs, rats, peacocks and crows to fulfill unique prayers aimed at protecting farm fields from pests.

The Muddu Swami temple, serving as the kuladevata (clan deity) for the Panara community, fosters unity and devotion. Both men and women actively participate, ensuring the tradition remains inclusive. "These performances are more than rituals — they are a space for learning, blending old customs with new expressions, and fostering community bonding," says Praveen Panara Shivapura, another performer.

Rooted in faith and artistry, Panarata stands as a testament to the Panara community’s vibrant cultural identity, preserving traditions while embracing collective joy and devotion.