About the Holi Festival Celebrations of the Kudubi and Marathi Communities
-Anand Kumar Barkur
A few weeks before Holi Hunnime, the Kudubi community gathers at the house of their leader, Mandakari Naik, during an auspicious time determined by elders. After waking up early, they perform an oil-abhyanga (ritual oil bath) and purify themselves. Dressing in traditional Holi attire takes three to four hours. Once everyone is adorned in festive decorations, Mandakari Naik prepares to tie ankle bells (gejje). As his costume is finalized, the festive atmosphere in the Kudubi hamlet reaches its peak.
The Holi dance begins with invocations to deities in the Kudubi language (a dialect of Konkani), chanting lines like:
- “Krishna Devatoka Kelu Kelaytha!”
- “Nagadevatoka Kelu Kelaytha!”
- “Gangadevi Toka Kelu Kelaytha!”
Amidst these devotional hymns, Mandakari Naik performs an aarti (ritual lamp ceremony) to the clan deity Shri Mallikarjuna. He applies kumkum (vermilion) on the foreheads of all participants, praying for the smooth progression of the festivities.
Holi Dance Performances
After the inaugural performance at Mandakari Naik’s house, the troupe visits village temples, ancestral homes, and prominent households. They are welcomed with jaggery water and honored with gifts like betel leaves, areca nuts, coconuts, and rice. Their vibrant Gumte dance and Kolatta (stick dance) captivate audiences.
The five-day celebration involves:
1. First Two Days: Performances in neighboring villages, where the community hosts elaborate meals and hospitality.
2. Final Two Days: Dancing in their own village, visiting homes across castes. Some households even request performances as vows (harake), symbolizing village unity.
On Holi Hunnime, the group reconvenes at Mandakari Naik’s house. They perform a final dance, dismantle their costumes, conduct a ritual burning of desires (Kamadahana), feast on sweets, wash their attire, and store it in boxes until the next year.
Preparations for Holi
Three months in advance, the Kudubi and Marathi communities begin preparations. Elders and youth meet at the leader’s house to plan. Post-work, young members train in the Gumta Naach and Kolatta steps. By evening, the rhythmic beats of the Gumta (clay drum) resonate through the streets.
Traditional Attire of Kudubi & Marathi Communities
-Women: Pleated sarees, ankle bells, and white blouses with full sleeves.
- Men: Tight turbans adorned with red paper flowers (traditionally Surige or Kanakambara flowers), black-and-white feathers from the Bhimaraja and Hattimudda birds, and colorful ribbons. All carry the Gumte drum during performances.
The Gummat: A Unique Musical Instrument
The Gummat is a clay pot with a wide mouth and a small hole at the bottom. Stretched animal hide (from the Uda or Monitor Lizzard) is sun-dried and tied tightly with ropes over the mouth. When played, it produces a deep, resonant sound central to the Holi dance’s rhythm.
Cultural and Research Insights
1. Kudubi Community:
- An ethnic group in Karnataka, traditionally agriculturists and forest dwellers, known for folk arts like Gumte dance. Their language blends Konkani, Marathi, and Kannada.
- Holi symbolizes renewal, community bonding, and reverence for nature deities.
2. Marathi Holi :
- In Maharashtra, Holi includes Rangpanchami (five days of color) and folk songs like Powada (ballads).
- The Purana Poli (sweet bread) is a festive delicacy.
3. Shared Traditions:
- Both communities emphasize collective participation, ancestral worship, and integrating music/dance into spirituality.
Wishing Everyone the Joy of Holi!
May the vibrant traditions of the Kudubi and Marathi communities inspire unity and cultural pride!