The people of Kodagu who speak the Kodava language or the Kodagu language are celebrating the festival of Kailpold on 3rd September which includes all 18 communities, also known as Moolanivasis of Kodagu. However the whole of Kodagu except Naalnaad celebrates the festival on 3rd September every year.
Meaning of Kailpold?
Kail means weapon or armory and Pold means festival. The day signifies the completion of "nati" - meaning the transplantation of the rice (paddy) crop.
Kail means weapon or armory and Pold means festival. The day signifies the completion of "nati" - meaning the transplantation of the rice (paddy) crop.
Significance of the Festival
The festival signifies the day when men prepare to guard their paddy crop from wild boars and other wild animals. Since the rainy season all were engaged in the paddy fields, the weapons are normally kept in Kanni Kombare" or the prayer room in general. On the day of Kailpodhu, the weapons are taken out of the Pooja room, cleaned and decorated with flowers. They are all kept in the "Nellakki Nadubade", the central hall of the house or "Ballya mane ". The Bulls which was used to plough the fields are given a bath and then decorated along with the agricultural equipment's (one can see this part missing in the recent celebration as technology advancements). Traditional food Kadambuttu & pork is prepared and drinking follows.
The festival signifies the day when men prepare to guard their paddy crop from wild boars and other wild animals. Since the rainy season all were engaged in the paddy fields, the weapons are normally kept in Kanni Kombare" or the prayer room in general. On the day of Kailpodhu, the weapons are taken out of the Pooja room, cleaned and decorated with flowers. They are all kept in the "Nellakki Nadubade", the central hall of the house or "Ballya mane ". The Bulls which was used to plough the fields are given a bath and then decorated along with the agricultural equipment's (one can see this part missing in the recent celebration as technology advancements). Traditional food Kadambuttu & pork is prepared and drinking follows.
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| Thok Poo (Gloriosa superb or flame lily is a flowering plant , rows in several habitats like jungles) |
Afternoon or Evening, the eldest member of the family hands the gun to the senior member of the family, signifying the commencement of the festivities and signalling the use of Gun. The whole family assembles in the "Mand" (open ground) along with all the other families of the village where physical contests and sports are conducted. Shooting skills are tested by firing at a coconut tied onto the branch of a tall tree called Coconut shooting. Traditional rural sports like grabbing coconut (thenge potho), throwing stone at a coconut from a distance (thenge Kanipo) etc., are now conducted in community groups & villages.
Re Thinking Process Required!
1. Is the festival for the people living in Kodagu Only?
2. How many students and employees come to Kodagu for the festivals, They don't have time or is the Festival not celebrated in a way it should? or they are least Bothered?
1. Is the festival for the people living in Kodagu Only?
2. How many students and employees come to Kodagu for the festivals, They don't have time or is the Festival not celebrated in a way it should? or they are least Bothered?
3. Apart from food & beverages there is our culture and Grandeur, remember?
4. If other Poojas and rituals can be done, Why not Kaipodhu celebrated where you live, be it Mysuru, Bengaluru or abroad?
5. Where are the Moustaches or where are the Sarees and Kupyas gone?
6. Always blame the elders? Why so,Our generation needs to put some effort to learn the festivals and pass it on to next generation.
4. If other Poojas and rituals can be done, Why not Kaipodhu celebrated where you live, be it Mysuru, Bengaluru or abroad?
5. Where are the Moustaches or where are the Sarees and Kupyas gone?
6. Always blame the elders? Why so,Our generation needs to put some effort to learn the festivals and pass it on to next generation.
** Think Over **
Look at Kodagu as a place You can relate to yourself and make sure we pu in our efforts to contribute for he betterment of the Place- KODAGU.
