Among the fascinating customs of Kuruba Gowdas is also the use of Hatti Kankana(ಹತ್ತಿ ಕಂಕಣ) and Unne Kankaka(ಉಣ್ಣೆ ಕಂಕಣ ) during marriages. In fact all Kuruba Gowdas are split into two groups depending on which type of thread they use during their marriages. Most other costums and traditions remain the same between these two groups.
"Hatti" is cotton and "Unne" is wool from the sheep. Kankana is the the thread made with either of them and which is tied to the wrist of the groom and bride during their marriage ceremony. Usually the marriage is between the same group of people, that is the Hatti Kankana followers marry the followers of the same custom and vise versa. But in modern times this has not been strictly followed and marriages between Hatti Kankana and Unne Kankana people are common.
The story behind this custom and division of Kuruba Gowdas into two groups goes back to the ancient times many thousands of years ago. An ancestor of Kurubas called "Padma Gonda"(ಪದ್ಮಗೊಂಡ) had two wives, the first wife was a Kuruba Gowdathi and the second wife belonged to the brahmin community. So Padmagonda decides to marry off the children born to his first wife by tying the cotton thread to their wrists and he marries off the children born to his second wife by tying the woollen thread to their wrists, thus heralding the formation of this custom.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Kuruba Event 5 - Guddadayya Dance
Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka have a rich culture and traditions. They have the most amazing forms of dance and festivals, which no other single community in India has. These festivals, fairs and dances showcase the richness and diversity of the community. They also show that the Kuruba Gowda community are the original and the first inhabitants of the land and from which various other communities branched out over many centuries.
One such festival is the "Beereshwara" festival of Medlleri[ಮೇಡ್ಲೇರಿ] village in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district in Karnataka. About 2 lakh people from the surrounding villages and towns descend onto this small village every year to celebrate the festival of Beereshwara, the community deity of Kurubas. This festival runs for seven days in the month of February every year. The devotees perform various festivities, they bring their sheep's with them to be sacrificed to the god for their well being.
Interestingly the sheep's are not sacrificed to the deity by beheading, but by slicing open their stomachs. I have not heard this type of sacrifice anywhere else in India, this again points towards the ancient origins of the community, wherein the crude practices of the nomadic ancient human beings being still followed in modern times. It also indicates the continuity of the Kuruba community from nomadic first humans to the modern era. A costum followed continuously without break for thousands of years.
After sacrificing the sheep's comes the most interesting part, the 'Guddadayya Dance'. This dance is performed by the "Goravas", "Dalavoys" and "Eergaras" belonging to the Kuruba Gowda community. These people hold a bamboo stick in their hands and dance to the music of Dollu (drum) beats. The drum beaters encircle the dancers holding the stick and dance according to the sounds being made by the drummers.
This amazing dance, drum beating and show of strength was a way of keeping the wild animals away fro their herds of sheep in ancient times and also a warning to the enemy tribes about the strength of Kuruba Gowdas. This warrior like dance indicates the genesis of the Kurubas from sheep farmers defending their herds from wild animals to the great builders of kingdoms like "Mouryas", "Pallavas", "Vijayanagara Empire" and many more.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Great Kurubas 6 - Siddanagouda Sanna Ramanagouda Patil
Sri Siddanagouda S Ramanagouda Patil is the father of co-operative society movement in India. He successfully organised the first agricultural credit co-operative society in India, in the year 1905 in the village of 'Kanaginahal' in Gadag district of Karnataka. The Kanaginahal co-op society also holds the distinction of being the first co-operative society to be functional in Asia and the credit for this goes to the great Kuruba Gowda Sri Siddana Gouda S Patil. He was the founder president of the society. The centeNary celebrations of founding of the society was held in 2005, attended by another great Kuruba Gowda Mr Siddaramaiah, the then deputy chief minister of Karnataka, a statue of Mr Patil was unveiled on this occasion.
This event of founding of the first co-operative society in Asia is celebrated as the Sr Siddanagouda S Patil day on may 8th of every year. The initial capital of the society was 2000 rupees, which was a big amount in those days.
This event of founding of the first co-operative society in Asia is celebrated as the Sr Siddanagouda S Patil day on may 8th of every year. The initial capital of the society was 2000 rupees, which was a big amount in those days.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Kuruba Gowda Event 4 - Badige(ಬಡಿಗೆ) Habba
As I search more, I find more and more interesting stories, customs and festivals of Kuruba Gowdas. This festival or Habba is called as "Badige Habba" (ಬಡಿಗೆ ಹಬ್ಬ) or "Eeragudi Habba" (ಈರಗುಡಿ ಹಬ್ಬ). This festival is celebrated every three years in the village of "Kavadamatti" in Muddebihal talk of Bijapur district
This festival is celebrated in the memory of "Jumanna Devaru". This festival involves hitting each other with Badige(sticks). The festival starts at the Jumanna temple and 501 Kuruba Gowdas with 501 Badige's split into groups and start hitting each other and also the person who claims to have had the experience of god entering him. They do this for about one and half kilometres all through the village. Tihis procession ends at the sweet water well of one "Somana Gowda Biradar", where the Badige's are cleaned and taken back to their home to perform Pooja. The procession involves carrying the deities of "Beeralingeshwara" and "Muthya".
Inspite of having received heavy blows on each other with their Badige's the devotees do not complain of pain, they are smeared with viboothi which they say prevents the pain. Thousands of people from all over the Bijapur district come to this village to watch this strange festival. The Kuruba Gowda Pujari, who is also the head of the community gives the indication for the start of the ceremony.
The story behind the festival is that, about 100 years ago this tiny village had a Kuruba Gowda called "Jumanna". This part was under the British rule and Jumanna could not pay the taxes and so he was not allowed to till his land. Jumanna ignored this warning from the British and started to till his land during night time. The British having heard about this attacked Jumanna at night and after single handedly fighting the British for several hours Jumanna was finally decapitated. Unknown as to what happened during the night Jumanna's sister brought him food in the morning only to find the decapitated body of Jumanna. Legend has it that the severed head of Jumanna spoke to his sister and asked his body to be buried and to celebrate his death by a festival of Valour. Since then this festival has been celebrated in the memory of this brave man and a temple has been built for him.
Very interesting our own festival of sacrifice and valour in the lines of Shia Muslims who celebrate Bakrid.
This festival is celebrated in the memory of "Jumanna Devaru". This festival involves hitting each other with Badige(sticks). The festival starts at the Jumanna temple and 501 Kuruba Gowdas with 501 Badige's split into groups and start hitting each other and also the person who claims to have had the experience of god entering him. They do this for about one and half kilometres all through the village. Tihis procession ends at the sweet water well of one "Somana Gowda Biradar", where the Badige's are cleaned and taken back to their home to perform Pooja. The procession involves carrying the deities of "Beeralingeshwara" and "Muthya".
Inspite of having received heavy blows on each other with their Badige's the devotees do not complain of pain, they are smeared with viboothi which they say prevents the pain. Thousands of people from all over the Bijapur district come to this village to watch this strange festival. The Kuruba Gowda Pujari, who is also the head of the community gives the indication for the start of the ceremony.
The story behind the festival is that, about 100 years ago this tiny village had a Kuruba Gowda called "Jumanna". This part was under the British rule and Jumanna could not pay the taxes and so he was not allowed to till his land. Jumanna ignored this warning from the British and started to till his land during night time. The British having heard about this attacked Jumanna at night and after single handedly fighting the British for several hours Jumanna was finally decapitated. Unknown as to what happened during the night Jumanna's sister brought him food in the morning only to find the decapitated body of Jumanna. Legend has it that the severed head of Jumanna spoke to his sister and asked his body to be buried and to celebrate his death by a festival of Valour. Since then this festival has been celebrated in the memory of this brave man and a temple has been built for him.
Very interesting our own festival of sacrifice and valour in the lines of Shia Muslims who celebrate Bakrid.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
"Gowda" is not a Caste Name
Recently have come across people who think "Gowda" is a caste, but it is not a community or caste but just a title used to denote the head of the family or community. I have seen the Gowda surname being used by almost all communities of Karnataka, Here I will give some examples with their castes Junje Gowda - was a Kuruba who built male Mahadeshwara temple, more recently we had A. Dodde Gowda who was a MLA from Holenarasipur in Hassan district, Basavan Gowda is a common name of many Lingayats from north Karnataka, I think there is a minister called Raju Gowda who belongs to the Nayaka/Valmiki community, Golla Gowda - from the famous poem "Dharini mandala madhyadolage" was a Golla/Yadava and many Golla's use Gowda as surname, Edigas use Gowda as a username as well the most famous person being M.Thimme Gowda the liquor baron, many other small caste people as well use Gowda as surname.
But in the past 10 years or so one particular community is trying to monopolise the name " Gowda" as to belonging to their community.It's a sad show of the imagined superior mentality by few people. They are trying desperately to convince the world that Gowda is a caste. When the truth is contrary to their argument. This false propaganda has been carried out in a large scale both by the written and visual media aided by politicians and swamijis. The press obviously been based in Bengaluru, and being run by the people who do not know the culture and traditions of the people of rural Karnataka are propagating this without looking into the background of the argument.
It all probably goes back to the time about 15 yrs ago when a man who did not deserve to become the Chief Minister became the Prime Minister of India. The most famous person with a Gowda surname - H.D.Deve Gowda. Since then lot of people started to use the Gowda word. Surnames were proudly displayed as Gowda even though they did not have one. The media of course with little knowledge of the error took it as the truth, and started associated Gowda surname with a particular community or protraying it as a seperate community itself. It's a tragedy and shame that such a minuscule thing as a surname was used to propagate one false information.
To quote an example a book written by Mr L A K Iyer in 1965 called "Mysore - Tribes and Castes" states in page 27 under the heading "Kuruba" that "Gauda" and " Heggade" are the titles used by Kurubas with their corresponding feminine equivalents of "Gaudathi" and "Heggadithi". Which clearly indicates that it is just a title and not a caste or community name.
So even before you ask some people voluntarily say that they are " Gowdas" and go to the extent of displaying it everywhere including their houses and vehicles. So I request these people to write a memorandum to the government to recognise them as a separate caste, or else I think they are spreading a false propaganda to achieve their menial political and social goals. If they thing just by using Gowda as a caste name their status in the social strata of rapidly changing India increase then it's their narrow mindedness. They are trying to undo the truth and rewrite history.
I hope these so called English educated press people try to know the culture, tradition and demographic nature of the state they live in before just blindly using Gowda word to denote one particular community. This article is not to hurt anyone or any community but just an effort to bring out the truth.
But in the past 10 years or so one particular community is trying to monopolise the name " Gowda" as to belonging to their community.It's a sad show of the imagined superior mentality by few people. They are trying desperately to convince the world that Gowda is a caste. When the truth is contrary to their argument. This false propaganda has been carried out in a large scale both by the written and visual media aided by politicians and swamijis. The press obviously been based in Bengaluru, and being run by the people who do not know the culture and traditions of the people of rural Karnataka are propagating this without looking into the background of the argument.
It all probably goes back to the time about 15 yrs ago when a man who did not deserve to become the Chief Minister became the Prime Minister of India. The most famous person with a Gowda surname - H.D.Deve Gowda. Since then lot of people started to use the Gowda word. Surnames were proudly displayed as Gowda even though they did not have one. The media of course with little knowledge of the error took it as the truth, and started associated Gowda surname with a particular community or protraying it as a seperate community itself. It's a tragedy and shame that such a minuscule thing as a surname was used to propagate one false information.
To quote an example a book written by Mr L A K Iyer in 1965 called "Mysore - Tribes and Castes" states in page 27 under the heading "Kuruba" that "Gauda" and " Heggade" are the titles used by Kurubas with their corresponding feminine equivalents of "Gaudathi" and "Heggadithi". Which clearly indicates that it is just a title and not a caste or community name.
So even before you ask some people voluntarily say that they are " Gowdas" and go to the extent of displaying it everywhere including their houses and vehicles. So I request these people to write a memorandum to the government to recognise them as a separate caste, or else I think they are spreading a false propaganda to achieve their menial political and social goals. If they thing just by using Gowda as a caste name their status in the social strata of rapidly changing India increase then it's their narrow mindedness. They are trying to undo the truth and rewrite history.
I hope these so called English educated press people try to know the culture, tradition and demographic nature of the state they live in before just blindly using Gowda word to denote one particular community. This article is not to hurt anyone or any community but just an effort to bring out the truth.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Great Kurubas 5 - Puttamalle Gowda
Puttamale Gowda is a folklore artist. He is master of "Goravara Kunitha". He hails from Chamaraja Nagar district and the tradition of Goravayyas has been passed on in his family for generations. He was initiated to the tradition of Goravas at the age of 12yrs by his uncle. Mr Puttamalle Gowda took Deekshe to continue the tradition.
After his Deekshe and learning the art of Goravara Kunitha, Mr Puttamalle Gowda started performing in various cities and towns. Goravas were invited to perform in house warming ceremonies and to bless the children. He eventually formed his own troupe and has toured different cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Cochin apart from the towns and cities of Karnataka.
Mr Puttamalle Gowda has been awarded the "Rajyotsava" award and Janapada Academy award. He continues to teach about a group of 10 children. He has a son and two daughters. His son continues the tradition of Goravayya. Puttamalle Gowda is in his 80's now and still remains active. He was awarded "Janapada Shri" award in February 2012.
All Kuruba Gowdas should be proud of this man who has dedicated his life to preserve the ancient Kuruba tradition. I hope that Kuruba youngsters will take up this art form and continue the tradition. No other community people are allowed to become Goravvyas, it has to be a person from the Kuruba Gowda community.
After his Deekshe and learning the art of Goravara Kunitha, Mr Puttamalle Gowda started performing in various cities and towns. Goravas were invited to perform in house warming ceremonies and to bless the children. He eventually formed his own troupe and has toured different cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Cochin apart from the towns and cities of Karnataka.
Mr Puttamalle Gowda has been awarded the "Rajyotsava" award and Janapada Academy award. He continues to teach about a group of 10 children. He has a son and two daughters. His son continues the tradition of Goravayya. Puttamalle Gowda is in his 80's now and still remains active. He was awarded "Janapada Shri" award in February 2012.
All Kuruba Gowdas should be proud of this man who has dedicated his life to preserve the ancient Kuruba tradition. I hope that Kuruba youngsters will take up this art form and continue the tradition. No other community people are allowed to become Goravvyas, it has to be a person from the Kuruba Gowda community.
Great Kuruba Gowdas 4 - Balumama
I don't know how many people have heard about the saint of North Karnataka/ Maharashtra called "Balumama"(ಬಾಳುಮಾಮ). i have come across this name several times while reading Kannada newspapers
It was mostly when the big politicians of Karnataka go and tender the sheep of Balumama for a day so that they can win the elections. Recently a lost about him has been posted on Facebook by my friends in Maharastra. So I was curious and did my bit on research on him and here it is.
Balumama was born in 1892 to a Kuruba Gowda couple in a village called Akkol(ಅಕ್ಕೋಳ) in Chikkodi taluk of Belgum district in Karnataka. His father was Mayappa and mother was Satyavva. He spent his childhood with his parents, but was always lost in meditation and was a quite boy. He later went on to live with his sister and was married to her sisters daughter against his will. The marriage did not last long. He was given about 15 sheep's by his in laws which he started to tend.
While shepherding his sheep, he was known to have performed several miracles and help lot of poor and downtrodden people. He used to travel long distances with his sheep including parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He was fluent in both Kannada and Marathi. Whatever he said came to pass without fail. So had a huge disciple group among the rural poor, who began to worship him as a saint. The seep which Balumama had were considered as holy as well. If the herd of Balumama's sheep stayed or passed through a persons field, he was bound to have had happiness, health and wealth.
Balumama died at the age of 74 in 1966 at a village called Adamapur(ಅದ್ಮಾಪುರ) in Kohlapur district of Maharastra. A temple was built in his memory in Adamapur which lies between Nipani in Karnataka and Radhanagari in Maharashtra. The Temple is looked after by the "Shri Balumama Sansthana". The sheep numbers have now grown to about 40,000. Which are looked after by the temple trust.
These sheep which are the progeny of the original sheep of Balumama are considered to be auspicious. And groups of these sheep are taken to various places at the request of Balumamas devotees. There is a belief that these sheep brings good luck. Some politicians like Basavaraj Bommai, K S Eshwarapp, Sharad Pawar etc have tended the sheep for a day, which is thought to make them win elections.
Website - http://balumama.com/balumama-english/
It was mostly when the big politicians of Karnataka go and tender the sheep of Balumama for a day so that they can win the elections. Recently a lost about him has been posted on Facebook by my friends in Maharastra. So I was curious and did my bit on research on him and here it is.
Balumama was born in 1892 to a Kuruba Gowda couple in a village called Akkol(ಅಕ್ಕೋಳ) in Chikkodi taluk of Belgum district in Karnataka. His father was Mayappa and mother was Satyavva. He spent his childhood with his parents, but was always lost in meditation and was a quite boy. He later went on to live with his sister and was married to her sisters daughter against his will. The marriage did not last long. He was given about 15 sheep's by his in laws which he started to tend.
While shepherding his sheep, he was known to have performed several miracles and help lot of poor and downtrodden people. He used to travel long distances with his sheep including parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He was fluent in both Kannada and Marathi. Whatever he said came to pass without fail. So had a huge disciple group among the rural poor, who began to worship him as a saint. The seep which Balumama had were considered as holy as well. If the herd of Balumama's sheep stayed or passed through a persons field, he was bound to have had happiness, health and wealth.
Balumama died at the age of 74 in 1966 at a village called Adamapur(ಅದ್ಮಾಪುರ) in Kohlapur district of Maharastra. A temple was built in his memory in Adamapur which lies between Nipani in Karnataka and Radhanagari in Maharashtra. The Temple is looked after by the "Shri Balumama Sansthana". The sheep numbers have now grown to about 40,000. Which are looked after by the temple trust.
These sheep which are the progeny of the original sheep of Balumama are considered to be auspicious. And groups of these sheep are taken to various places at the request of Balumamas devotees. There is a belief that these sheep brings good luck. Some politicians like Basavaraj Bommai, K S Eshwarapp, Sharad Pawar etc have tended the sheep for a day, which is thought to make them win elections.
Website - http://balumama.com/balumama-english/
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