Tag Archives: Bolakaat

Over 500 Attend Annual Kodava Bay Area Convention In California

February 12, 2024Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World OpinionAnnual Kodava Bay Area Convention - California 2024, Baalo Paat, Bolakaat, Cauvery Sankramana, Chethan Bachamada, Dimpu Pasuru, Gana Pemmanda, Kailpodh, Kodava Community California Bay Area, Kodava Valaga, Kuypya Chale, Namme by the Bay, Nischal Ammatnada, Nischay, Pallavi Joyappa, Prithvi Biddappa Kandanda, Puthari, Sahana Bheemaiah, Sahana Bheemaiah Bachamada, Thamane Nambudumada, Vikram Puttichandaadmin

California’s Bay Area:

The Kodava community came together in the heart of California’s Bay Area for the annual convention, ‘Namme by the Bay’ from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3.

The festivities commenced with an informal ‘meet the hosts’ gathering on the evening of Sept. 1 at the elegant Hotel Cabana Suites in Palo Alto, CA, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend filled with camaraderie and cultural immersion.

On Sept. 2, a pre-convention event unfolded against the picturesque backdrop of the Elliston Winery in Sunol, featuring a surprise flash mob performance. The night culminated in joyous dancing to the tunes of traditional ‘Kodava Valaga.’

While some guests embarked on an invigorating morning hike organised by local Kodava families on Sept. 2, others enjoyed a post-hike BBQ. For those eager to explore the beauty of San Francisco, an organised tour was on offer.

The main event, held on Sept. 3 at the Los Altos Community Centre, saw men donning the traditional Kodava attire ‘Kupya-chale,’ while women added a touch of Kodava elegance with colourful sarees.

The venue was transformed to capture the essence of Kodava culture, with enchanting decorations centered around the unique ‘Namme’ theme. The stage backdrop artfully depicted the essence of three prominent Kodava festivals — Kailpodh, Puthari and Cauvery Sankramana.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the ‘Baalo Paat.’ Dimpu Pasura, the event’s host, collaborated with local children to present a captivating cultural programme. Local Kodava children began with a devotional rendition of the ‘Kaveramme’ song, followed by an opening act by Chethan Bachamada and Pallavi Joyappa.

Priya Pattada extended a warm welcome, followed by a message about preserving the Kodava community from Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna, who travelled from Kodagu to attend the convention.

The evening unfolded with a dance performance by local Kodava children, followed by a spirited ‘Bolakaat’ performance by the men. The highlight was a mesmerising dance by the ladies. A video message from prominent Kodavas representing the military, sports and show business played during the opening, offering their best wishes for the event’s success.

Overall, the event fostered hope and unity among the Kodava community worldwide. Looking ahead, the next convention in 2024 is eagerly anticipated in Chicago.

First-ever entrepreneur event

As part of the convention, the first ever entrepreneur event, led by Gana Pemmanda, Vikram Puttichanda and Sahana Bheemaiah Bachamada (Thamane Nambudumada), was held.

Entrepreneurs Nischay, Prithvi Biddappa Kandanda, Nischal Ammatanda, Sahana Bheemaiah and Gana Pemmanda shared glimpses of their entrepreneurial journeys, successes and learnings.

Guests had the opportunity to showcase their businesses and network within the Kodava community, with plans to maintain the momentum through a newly created North American Kodava entrepreneurs’ group, fostering collaboration.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2023

Kodavas Celebrate Paithande Namme

November 29, 2023Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022))Ambika of Nada Lahari, Aramanamada K Suresh, Aramanamada K Suresh - Superintendent of Police, Ballyamanda M Nanaiah, Biddatanda S Thammaiah, Bolakaat, Book - Kodira Poomale, Dr Adengada A Kuttapppa, Garvale Village, K B Ganapathy, Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna, Kalyatanda B Ganapathy, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Kathiyat, KB Ganapathy, Keethiyanda Kavya Kuttapa, Kodava Baalopaat, Kodava Paithande Namme, Kodava Society, Maj Gen Codanda K Karumbaya, Mangala - Marriage Ceremony, Moovera K Kuttappa, Mysuru Kodava Samaja, Nada Lahari - Madikeri, Napanda Thimmaiah, Narimangala, Paithande Namme, Paithandekkalapa, Paithandekkalapa - aka - Paithande Namme, Prof Kambeyanda C Belliappa, Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association, Thammu Poovaiah, Uluvangada Cauvery Uday, Ummathat, Vanishing Kodavasadmin

Mysuru:

Hundreds of Kodava community members assembled at the Mysuru Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage yesterday evening to witness a unique tradition of Kodava Paithande Namme.

The event, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Madikeri and Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association, Mysuru, was inaugurated by Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) It was presided over by Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, the Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy.

In the past, Kodava society had a practice of honouring mothers who gave birth to ten or more children and they used to be respectfully adored as a great mother. Such mothers used to be honoured in a public function ‘Mangala’ (marriage ceremony) called ‘Paithandekkalapa’ or ‘Paithande Namme.’

The age-old tradition was introduced to the audience along with the rituals practiced during Paithande Namme. According to the organisers, the event was organised to recall the traditions that are rarely practiced now or are on the verge of extinction.

Apart from Paithande Namme, traditional dances including Bolakaat, Ummathat and Kathiyat were performed. The main attraction of the evening was, however, the mock show of Narimangala (wedding of a hunted tiger), a custom unique to Kodavas where the hunter of a tiger is wedded to the soul of the animal. The ritual was performed complete with traditional dresses, swords, guns, bands and other paraphernalia.

Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) is seen inaugurating Kodava ‘Paithande Namme’ at Mysuru Kodava Samaja yesterday evening along with President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah and Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Biddatanda S. Thammaiah. Others seen are (from left) former President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa, Chairman of Sree Cauvery Education Council Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s former Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement-Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh and retired Police Officer Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah.

Minority Status :

Along with these traditional performances, the event was also a platform for chief guests to speak about the welfare of Kodavas. In his inaugural address, Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) said that the Kodava Sahitya Academy was doing good work to preserve Kodava traditions within Kodagu district and also outside.

“We Kodavas do not have facilities like reservation as we are economically and educationally forward. But it is imperative for us to obtain minority status as enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” he said and called upon the community to stay united and fight for minority status. He suggested Kodavas to have one organisation to fight for recognitions and welfare of the community.

Political Representation :

In his address, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh opined that Kodavas must have a political representation. “We are a small community and we should ensure that we have representation in the Legislative Assembly and Council. This will give the much-needed political power to the community,” he said

“As Kodavas are educationally forward, the youths must take up competitive examinations and make a place for themselves in the upper echelons of the government,” he added.

Vanishing Traditions :

Speaking on vanishing Kodava culture and traditions, Keethiyanda Kavya Kuttappa said that the unique traditional Kodava attire which people wore on all occasions earlier has become rare now. “This is because Kodavas blindly ape Western culture. Unfortunately, some Kodavas think speaking Kodava language is improper,” she said.

“Many Kodavas have migrated to cities in search of employment and they have forgotten the customs and traditions. They don’t even go to their roots in Kodagu and this is the reason why traditions are being forgotten,” she opined. In a fervent plea to parents, Kavya said that it was their responsibility to ensure that their children dress well when they attend community and public functions.

On the occasion, a book “Kodira Poomale” written by Uluvangada Cauvery Uday was released by former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna and Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah.

A CD that was brought out in 1985 on “Kodava Baalopaat” sung by late Napanda Thimmaiah and team from Garvale village in Kodagu was released by Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa. The original CD was brought out by Thammu Poovaiah and Ambika of Nada Lahari, Madikeri.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy felicitated the President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah. A book and CD sale was also organised.

Kodava MLA Candidate:

Concurring with Aramanamada K. Suresh on political representation to Kodavas, businessman and former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna (in pic) regretted that Kodavas were dominated by other communities in Kodagu, their homeland. He appealed the community members to elect a Kodava candidate to the Assembly irrespective of the political party.

He also advised Kodavas not to sell their properties in Kodagu to others but instead sell them within the community if it is inevitable. He called upon them to support Kodava youth who have set up businesses in Kodagu and outside.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /July 13th, 2017

Annual Kodava Meet To Begin Today In San Francisco Bay Area

September 3, 2023Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World OpinionAnnual Kodava Convention in North America, Annual Kodava Meet - San Franciso Bay Area - USA, Baalo Paat, Bolakaat, Kailpodh Ayudha Puja, Kailpodh Festival, Kodagu First, Kodava Community, Kodava Cultural Dances, Kodava Koota, Kodava Traditionadmin

California:

The Annual Kodava Convention in North America is scheduled to take place on Sept. 2 and 3, 2023, in the San Francisco Bay Area, famously known as Silicon Valley. The convention will culminate on Sept. 3, coinciding with the Kodava community’s Kailpoldh festival. The inaugural day’s events will start at 5 pm.

This convention is a tradition spanning approximately 15 years. This time, over 500 Kodavas and their families from across the United States have registered to participate in the event, which is jointly organised by around 40 Kodava families.

According to the organisers, the two-day event will see the participation of Kodava guests from around the world. They have received well-wishes from notable Kodavas, including individuals from the military, sports, and the entertainment industry.

Registration had to be closed due to limited seating capacity. Local families will come together to showcase the cultural events that reflect the deep-rooted Kodava heritage and their unique talents, as stated by the organisers.

The programme will feature a blend of traditional and cultural events, including Baalo Paat performances, Kailpodh Ayudha Puja, Kodava cultural dances, Kodava Koota updates, an entrepreneurial mixer, a Kodava cultural skit, and the traditional Bolakaat.

This convention serves as a gathering for Kodava brethren from across North America, providing an opportunity to meet, learn and celebrate the rich Kodava culture. This year’s convention is aptly named ‘namme-by-the-bay’ and promises to offer attendees a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Kodava tradition, unique attire, art, cuisine, culture and the deities.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 02nd, 2023