Pomp, gaiety mark Kodava cultural fest

Men with traditional attire of black suit and a turban, with gun on the shoulder, women clad in ethnic paraphernaila, dancing to the tunes of musical notes, adding to the charm of colourful procession, which was taken out during taluk Kodava cultural fest organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Kodava Samaja in Kushalnagar on Monday.

Prior to the inauguration, Kodava Sahitya Academy President Biddatanda S Thammiah offered prayers to the idol of Goddess Cauvery, near the tollgate in the City.

Later, Somvarpet DySP C W Poovaiah inaugurated the procession with a gunshot. The procession including traditional Kodagu bandset, men and women clad in traditional attire, passed through Field Marshall K M Cariappa circle and Kalabhavan road and concluded at Raitha Sahakara Bhavan.

Kodava Sahitya Academy former president Bacharaniyanda P Appanna hoisted the academy flag at Raitha Sahakara Bhavan ground.

An exhibition of household items and agricultural equipment used in older days in Kodagu, caught the attention of onlookers. Hundreds of people took part in various competitions such as dance, music, play and elocution.