News n Visuals : Anand Kumar Barkur, Vishwas, Barkur
In a distinctive and culturally rich ceremony, the World Kundapura Kannada Day celebrations were inaugurated today in Yadtadi, the ancestral home of the late renowned film actor Sunil. The event was marked by the traditional "Yartha koduva" ritual, a heartwarming practice of offering gratitude to cattle, symbolizing the deep connection between the people of Kundapura and their agricultural heritage.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Barkur Shri Shantaram Shetty, a recipient of the prestigious Kambala Rajyotsava Award, who provided his full support and cooperation for the event. The celebration was hosted by Team Abhimata and Janaseva Trust (Registered) of Moodu Giliyaru, under the expert management of Manu Handadi, a famous orator of Kundapura Kannada.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, several dignitaries attended the event, including Kiran Kodgi, MLA of Kundapura Assembly Constituency, Kishore Kundapura, and Prakash Shetty, President of Yadtadi Panchayat, among other notable personalities.
The "Yartha koduva" ritual, which formally launched the World Kundapura Kannada Day celebrations, is a time-honored tradition that showcases the region's deep-rooted agricultural practices and the bond between farmers and their livestock. This custom typically takes place after the completion of the farming season and involves showing appreciation to the cattle that have worked tirelessly in the fields.
As part of the ritual, the cattle are first given a thorough bath, symbolizing the cleansing of the hard work of the past season. The farmers then lovingly apply oil to the horns, hooves, and foreheads of the oxen, a gesture of care and respect for these essential companions in agriculture.
The highlight of the "Yartha koduva" ceremony is the offering of a special meal to the cattle. This meal consists of boiled horse gram (slightly spiced and salted), thinly sliced ash gourd, and a mixture of rice and jaggery. These items are carefully prepared and offered to the animals in generous amounts, allowing them to eat to their heart's content. This act is seen as a way of treating the cattle as cherished members of the family, acknowledging their crucial role in the farmers' livelihoods.
The "Yartha koduva" tradition embodies the spirit of gratitude, joy, and celebration. It represents a moment when farmers express their thankfulness to their animal companions for their unwavering support throughout the agricultural season. This ritual not only strengthens the bond between humans and animals but also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable and compassionate farming practices.
By choosing to inaugurate the World Kundapura Kannada Day celebrations with this meaningful ritual, the organizers have highlighted the integral role of agricultural traditions in shaping the cultural identity of the Kundapura region. This event serves as a platform to showcase the rich heritage of Kundapura Kannada, promoting its unique dialect, customs, and way of life to a global audience.
As the World Kundapura Kannada Day celebrations continue, attendees can look forward to a series of events that will further explore and celebrate the linguistic and cultural richness of this vibrant community. The inclusion of the "Yartha koduva" ritual in the inaugural ceremony sets a tone of reverence for tradition and gratitude for nature, values that are deeply ingrained in the Kundapura way of life.
