Traditional flavour marks Kodava National Day

The 28th Kodava National Day is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the floods and landslides, Codava National Council (CNC) President N U Nachappa declared while inaugurating the Kodava National Day organised by CNC at Gandhi Maidan on Sunday.

Nachappa while addressing the gathering said that CNC has been fighting for the self-respect of the villagers rendered homeless by nature’s fury.

“The government should fulfil all the demands of victims at relief camps. A disaster of bigger scale is waiting to happen if Harangi dam is not rebuilt. The government should initiate an enquiry into the fitness of Harangi reservoir,” he urged.

He said that a probe should also be done into the alleged misappropriation of relief materials.

Nachappa also urged the government to establish a separate department for disaster management.

“The genocide of Kodavas in Devati Parambu by Tipu Sultan can never be forgotten. Yet the state government is observing the birthday of Tipu, hurting the sentiments of Kodavas,” he said and alleged that miscreants had been disrupting CNC’s campaign.

“The genealogy studies on Kodavas was also stopped abruptly,” he added.

Traditional celebrations were the highlight at the 28th Kodava National Day.

After the traditional Kodava ritual, a cultural procession was taken out from General Thimayya Circle to Gandhi Maidan, through General Thimayya Circle.

Youth wearing the traditional Kodava attire walked in the procession to the beats of ‘Dudikott Patt’.

‘Bolakkatt’, ‘Kattiyatt’ and ‘Kolata’ drew the attention of people.

CNC members Chandira Raja, Karavanda Saraswathi, Boppanda Bollamma Nanaiah, Hanchettira Nayak and Areyada Savitha were present among others.