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Hundreds of tribes take part in ‘Bodu Namme’ celebration in Karnataka

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Demons, gods, public figures, mythological characters, disco dancers, and figures smeared in mud and ash, it resembled a chaotic yet enthralling fashion parade of tribal creativity.

The tribes dressed in eccentric costumes march towards Devarapura to offer exvoto. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

It was a vibrant and eccentric day out for the tribal communities of Kodagu as the unique ‘Bodu Namme’ celebrations concluded on a grand note. Tribes from across the district, and a few from neighbouring regions, gathered at the Devarapura Aiyappa Temple to offer prayers, unlike any other, in the form of abuses directed at the deity.

Dressed in eccentric costumes, hundreds of tribal devotees marched through the streets before reaching Devarapura.

Demons, gods, public figures, mythological characters, disco dancers, and figures smeared in mud and ash, it resembled a chaotic yet enthralling fashion parade of tribal creativity.

The rhythmic beats of their improvised instruments, crafted from plastic bottles and drums, echoed through the village as they hurled verbal tirades at the deity, seeking divine blessings for their community’s welfare.

“This is a unique festival of the tribal community in the district. Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Aiyappa are hurled abuses at by the tribal devotees and they believe that the deities bless the villagers. They dress up in various weird costumes, hurl abuses to the god, and this is a form of ex-voto offering to the deity,” shared Bopanna, a resident of Thithimathi.

While most of the tribal participants are daily wage labourers working in plantations and estates, they take two days off work to participate in the celebration. During this ‘Bedu Habba’, the tribes are accorded special and equal status in society.

“While majority of the times that tribes face exploitation, the two days of the festivity extend them complete freedom to hurl abuses and show their anguish. This ritual has been practised from ancestral times and it is respected by all the communities in the district,” he added.

Over these two days, tribal members momentarily put aside their struggles and challenges, uniting in their tradition of hurling abuses as an act of worship to their indigenous deities.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> ePaper> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 22nd, 2025

Kodava roots trace back 3,000 years, but origins still a mystery

About Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

A genetic study has traced the ancestry of the Kodavas, the culturally distinct community from Karnataka’s Kodagu district, to nearly 3,000 years ago. Yet, the mystery of their precise origins remains unsolved.

This is the first scientific attempt to explore the genetic makeup of the Kodavas. Conducted by researchers from the University of Delhi South Campus and Hyderabad’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, the study was published in Communications Biology.

Using genomic data from 144 Kodava individuals, scientists identified three genetically distinct lineages within the community. They named it: Coorg-1, Coorg-2 and Coorg-3.

Coorg-3 emerged as the most ancient lineage, dating back 98 generations, about 3,000 years. Coorg-1 diverged around 1,920 years ago and Coorg-2, the youngest lineage, appeared roughly 330 years ago from a mix of Coorg-1 and Coorg-3.

Interestingly, mitochondrial DNA passed down from mothers showed that around 40% of maternal lineages in the community are South Asian.

In contrast, Y-chromosome data revealed genetic signatures from Eurasian, Middle Eastern and India-specific male lines. This suggests a pattern of male-dominated migration followed by           local assimilation.

Despite numerous theories about the Kodavas’ origin, including links to Alexander the Great’s Indo-Greek army, pre-Muslim Kurds, pre-Christian Georgians or Indo-Scythian Sakas, concrete evidence of origin has remained elusive.

Even in this study, while Coorg-3 stands out as the most genetically distinct group and ancient, its original ancestral source remains unidentified.  [Sourced]

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 19th, 2025

June 2025 Weekend Plan: Coorg – Nature’s Gift Near Bangalore

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , ,

Looking for a peaceful escape from the busy city life of Bangalore? June is the perfect time to take a weekend trip and enjoy the calm beauty of South India. One of the best weekend getaways near Bangalore in June 2025 is Coorg. Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is often called the “Scotland of India” because of its green hills, coffee plantations, cool weather, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s just around 250 km from Bangalore and is ideal for a short break with family, friends, or even solo.

Let’s explore why Coorg is the perfect weekend getaway this June.

Green landscapes and fresh air In June, Coorg becomes even more beautiful. The monsoon begins, and the rains make everything green and fresh. The smell of wet soil, the sound of birds, and the misty hills create a peaceful mood. If you are someone who loves nature, you will enjoy every moment here. The scenic drives through winding roads covered with thick forests and coffee plantations are a treat to the eyes. You can stop at many places on the way for pictures or just to breathe in the clean air.

Popular places to visit in Coorg

Coorg has something for everyone. Here are some must-visit spots:

Abbey Falls – A stunning waterfall hidden in the forest, Abbey Falls is a great place for nature lovers and photographers. The short walk through coffee plantations to reach the falls is a lovely experience.

Raja’s Seat – This viewpoint offers a beautiful view of the hills and valleys, especially at sunset. It’s a peaceful place to sit and enjoy the fresh breeze.

Madikeri Fort – For history lovers, Madikeri Fort gives a glimpse into Coorg’s past. It also has a museum inside with interesting displays.

Dubare Elephant Camp – If you’re traveling with kids or love animals, this camp is a fun place. You can watch elephants being bathed and fed and even take part in some activities.

Talacauvery – This is the birthplace of the river Cauvery. It is also a holy site and offers beautiful views from the hilltop.

Local food and coffee Coorg is also known for its tasty local food. Try dishes like Pandi Curry (pork curry), Kadumbuttu (rice dumplings), and Noolputtu (rice noodles). These are full of local flavors and are best enjoyed at homestays or small local restaurants.

And of course, don’t miss the coffee. Coorg produces some of the best coffee in India. You can visit a coffee plantation, learn how coffee is grown, and sip a fresh cup while enjoying the cool weather.

Where to stay

Coorg has many options for all kinds of travelers. From budget hotels to luxury resorts, and cozy homestays in the middle of coffee plantations, you will find a place that suits your needs. Staying in a homestay will also give you a chance to talk to locals, learn about their culture, and eat home-cooked food.

Perfect weekend itinerary

Here is a sample weekend plan for June 2025:

Day 1 (Saturday)

Leave Bangalore early in the morning

Reach Coorg by noon and check into your hotel or homestay

After lunch, visit Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat Enjoy local dinner and relax

Day 2 (Sunday)

Visit Dubare Elephant Camp early in the morning

Head to Talacauvery and Madikeri Fort Try local food for lunch

Leave for Bangalore by late afternoon

Tips for travel in June

Carry an umbrella or raincoat, as it may rain suddenly

Wear comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing

Book your stay in advance as Coorg is popular during weekends

Try to leave early from Bangalore to avoid traffic

Why Coorg is perfect for June

June is the start of the rainy season, and Coorg looks like a green paradise. The weather is cool and perfect for walks, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with a hot cup of coffee. It’s close to Bangalore and easy to reach by road, which makes it a great weekend choice.

Whether you’re looking for nature, adventure, food, or just a peaceful time, Coorg gives you all. So, pack your bags and make your June weekend refreshing and unforgettable with a short trip to Coorg.

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source: http://www.nativeplanet.com / Native Planet / Home> Travel Guide / by Neha Choubey / May 23rd, 2025

Coorgs’ roots go back 3,000 years: Study sparks intrigue over Karnataka community’s ancestry

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

The study is the first to probe the genetics of the Coorgs, a community with a distinct socio-cultural identity whose ancestry has long been debated with competing theories linking them to Alexander’s armies, Eurasian settlers, or ancient south Indian people.

A charming waterfall named Malalli flows gracefully in the idyllic locales of Coorg hill station in Karnataka, India. Sourced by the Telegraph

A new genetic study has traced the roots of the Coorgs to nearly 3,000 years ago, offering fresh insights and deepening the intrigue around the ancestry of this close-knit population in Karnataka’s western ghats.

The study is the first to probe the genetics of the Coorgs, a community with a distinct socio-cultural identity whose ancestry has long been debated with competing theories linking them to Alexander’s armies, Eurasian settlers, or ancient south Indian people.

The Coorgs, also known as the Kodavas, are a small, tradition-rich community with a distinct martial heritage, customs, and a strong sense of clan-based identity, living in the hilly, forested, and picturesque Kodagu district.

Scientists at the University of Delhi South Campus and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, analysed genomic signatures in a sample of 144 Coorgs to determine their genetic distances and affinities to other populations.

Their study has revealed that the Coorgs consist of three distinct lineages — classified as Coorg-1, Coorg-2, and Coorg-3. Coorg-3 is the oldest, dating back 98 generations, or nearly 3,000 years ago. Coorg-1 diverged 64 generations ago, around 1,920 years ago. The third group, Coorg-2, emerged more recently — about 330 years ago — from the admixture of Coorg-1 and Coorg-3.

Among the three groups, Coorg-3 stands out as the most distinct. However, the identity of its ancestral source population from 3,000 years ago remains unresolved. The analysis did reveal more recent genetic mixing between Coorg-3 and northwest Indian populations about 23 generations ago, or roughly 690 years ago.

The study, published in Communications Biology, also found that Coorg-1 and Coorg-2 are genetically distinct from other ethnolinguistic groups in Karnataka such as the Kannadigas, Konkanis and Tuluvas.

Members of Coorg-1 show the highest genetic similarity to a hunter-gatherer tribal group called the Palliyars, found in the southern Western Ghats.

The admixture between Coorg-1 and Coorg-3 appears to have begun around 11 generations ago, or 330 years ago, giving rise to Coorg-2.

Practices such as family exogamy and caste endogamy have likely helped preserve the genetic separation of these three lineages over centuries, Delhi University geneticist B.K. Thelma and her co-authors K. Thangaraj, Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Loumos Kumar and Kiran Sran said in their study.

Earlier genetic research has shown that contemporary Indian populations arose from a mix of two ancestral groups — ancestral North Indians and ancestral South Indians — between roughly 1,900 and 4,200 years ago.

But the ancestry of the Coorgs has remained elusive. Scholars have variously proposed links to Alexander’s army during his 4th-century BCE campaign in northwestern India, to Indo-Scythians or Sakas who moved from Central Asia into northwest India in the 2nd century BCE, or to prehistoric inhabitants of the southern Western Ghats.

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA — passed down through mothers — has revealed that about 40 per cent of Coorg maternal lineages are South Asian. Y-chromosome data points to Eurasian, Middle Eastern and India-specificsignatures. These results suggest male-dominated migrations from Eurasian and Middle Eastern regions and subsequent assimilation with local women.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Science-Tech / by G S Mudur / May 15th, 2025

‘I have never had a Plan B, hockey has always been my top priority’: Poovanna aims to make India debut after recovering from serious injury 

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports, , , , ,

 Poovanna suffered a facial injury during the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25 

Bengaluru :

After a brief stint with the Indian junior team in 2023, Poovanna Chandura Boby is now training with the senior core group ahead of European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League leg. The 22-year-old is currently part of the senior national camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru and has made it into the 40-member core group.

With the junior team, Poovanna had a fruitful spell winning the Gold and Bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 Sultan of Johar Cup respectively. He was also part of India’s Men’s Junior Asia Cup winning squad in 2023 and made it to the senior national camp in August 2024. 

About his experience training in the camp, Poovanna said, “I’ve played for junior team in 2023 and now training with the senior players, I see a lot of differences between them and us. There’s a lot of work we need to put in to get to that level. It doesn’t matter how fit you are, you need to get much better to compete against European teams. We are getting gassed out every session, but we need to push hard to keep up. It has been a brilliant journey so far.”

Poovanna played the Hero Hockey India League 2024/25 for champions Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, however, he couldn’t play the complete tournament due to an unfortunate injury. In their seventh match against JSW Soorma Hockey Club, Poovanna suffered a facial injury while defending a penalty corner.

“It was a penalty corner and I generally don’t rush third, so I didn’t have my face mask on. Harmanpreet Singh fired a shot and it deflected off my teammate’s stick and hit my upper cheek. So, I was rushed off the field and I had to get my surgery done right away. I couldn’t play the rest of the tournament,” he explained.

He also revealed that he could have made his senior team debut during the home leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 in Bhubaneswar but missed out on the opportunity due to his injury. “Thankfully we won the HIL but the coach told me that I was called up for the Pro League squad but I couldn’t go because of my injury. Hence, I joined the camp early, worked with the physio in order to get in good shape for the training camp in March,” he added.

Hailing from Kodagu, formerly known as Coorg, Poovana comes from a family where hockey is a proud tradition. The Kodava hockey festival is renowned worldwide for being one of the world’s largest hockey tournaments, with hundreds of families participating in the event as tradition. 

“When I was a kid I used to watch those games and I always wanted to wear my family jersey, so that inspired me to start playing in school and I got naturally good at it. Playing for my family team was a dream come true for me after which I pursued the sport professionally. I have never had a Plan B, hockey has always been my top priority.”

Talking about the dynamic he shares with the other senior players of the squad, Poovanna shared, “The seniors are very easy to talk to and we youngsters learn a lot from them since they have been playing for a lot of years and have much better experience than us. We need to learn from them because we need to carry forward their legacy ahead in the coming years.”

“I look up to Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh a lot because they play the position I play in midfield. I like how calm and composed they are when they get the ball and progress the game ahead. Some things that they do on the field are truly inspiring.”

Poovanna also spoke about his experience training under coach Craig Fulton. “I’m training under him right now and he’s really good. He’s easy to approach and you can ask him whatever you want and he gives you clear answers. Whenever we train, if someone does something wrong, he stops the game and he teaches them, which helps us a lot and gives a very valuable perspective.”

After missing out the opportunity in February, Poovanna is determined to make his Indian senior team debut and solidify his position in the squad during the European leg of the FIH Pro League. “The upcoming tournament is crucial for me and I will ensure I work on my shortcomings tirelessly and do my best with whatever chances I get,” he concluded on a strong note.

source: http://www.hockeyindia.org / Hockey India / Home / May 16th, 2025

Varsha Bollamma slays Singapore streets in style

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

In Singapore, Kannada actress Varsha Bollamma, who recently enchanted viewers as Bhoomi in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, is enjoying some well-earned relaxation.

The curly-haired beauty shared new photos from her trip, showing off her bright curls and beaming smile while wearing a white shirt and black shorts. She won over fans with her carefree aura and natural charisma when she posed in front of Singapore’s national symbol, the famed Merlion monument, in one of the photos.

Varsha costarred with Sundeep Kishan in Ooru Peru Bhairavakona, where he portrayed Basava, a desperate stunt double who steals a bride’s jewelry and becomes entangled in a series of enigmatic occurrences.

Next up, Varsha Bollamma has two great projects underway and is back to work. In addition to filming for Nithiin’s next film, Thammudu, she is also working on a Tamil film called Iruvam. Varsha never fails to captivate her followers with her presence and performances, whether she is on vacation or on television.

source: http://www.gulte.com / Gulte / Home> Photos> Actress / by Satya B / May 14th, 2025

Rasika Duggal and Gulshan Devaiah’s ‘Little Thomas’ Scores Big with 3 Awards

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, World Opinion, , , , ,

Little Thomas, a heartwarming comedy-drama featuring Rasika Duggal and Gulshan Devaiah, has garnered significant recognition at the upcoming 25th New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF).

The film has received three nominations: Best Actor for Gulshan Devaiah, Best Actress for Rasika Duggal, and Best Debut Feature for director Kaushal Oza. The film’s producers, Ranjan Singh and Anurag Kashyap, are excited to showcase their work at this prestigious festival.

Excitement Surrounds Nominations

Rasika Duggal expressed her joy at being nominated for Best Actress for her role as Jessie Miranda in Little Thomas. The film tells the story of a seven-year-old boy who is determined to unite his parents and wishes for a little brother. Rasika stated, “I am grateful that the work is being noted and appreciated, and I am looking forward to the response of the audience when the film is screened at the festival.” She emphasized the importance of audience feedback at film festivals, noting that they often provide discerning insights into the work presented.

Gulshan Devaiah, nominated for Best Actor, shared his excitement about the recognition from the NYIFF jury. He expressed his eagerness to attend the festival and his hopes for winning the award. “I am excited and happy with the nomination that the NYIFF jury has considered me for as the Best Actor for Little Thomas,” he said.

Director’s Thrill at Recognition

Kaushal Oza, the film’s director, expressed his delight at the nominations, particularly for the Best Debut Film category. Oza, who has previously collaborated with Anurag Kashyap on notable projects, shared his excitement about returning to NYIFF after the world premiere of his short film, The Miniaturist of Junagadh. He remarked, “This time I am delighted that ‘Little Thomas’ has been nominated at the same festival for the Best Debut Film… What really puts the cherry on the cake is the nominations for both the actors as well!”

The film, produced under the banners of Luminoso Pictures, Civic Studios, Flip Films, and Good Bad Films, had its world premiere at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne last year. It has since been showcased at other festivals, including the Toronto Indian Film Festival and Chandigarh Cine-Vesture.

A Glimpse into the Film’s Story

Set against the backdrop of 1990s Goa, Little Thomas follows the journey of a young boy named Thomas, who longs for a sibling. The film’s synopsis reveals that Thomas believes the key to getting a baby brother lies in his parents sharing a kiss. With his parents frequently arguing and no longer affectionate, Thomas takes it upon himself to orchestrate the “yucky act” he believes is necessary to fulfill his wish. This charming premise sets the stage for a comedic exploration of family dynamics and childhood innocence.

source: http://www.observervoice.com / Observer Voice / Home> Entertainment / by OV Digital Desk / May 14th, 2025

New team of KSA, Mysuru

Education, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , ,

From left: Kundyolanda Aiyappa (Cultural Head – Amakka), Theetharamada Thanush Ganapathy (Vice-President), Puchimanda Dipshika Daychamma (Joint Treasurer), Mookonda Sanjana Damayanthi (Joint Secretary), Motteyanda Ishani Kuttappa (President), Kaliyanda Richa Poovamma (Cultural Head – Pommakka), Mandetira Degul Ganapathy (Hon. Secretary ) and  Allaranda Kariappa (Treasurer).

A group photo of the new team of Kodava Students Association (KSA), Mysuru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 07th, 2025

Veteran shuttler feted

Records, All, Sports, , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

Maleyanda Arun Poovaiah, a Badminton player of International repute, was felicitated by the organisers of Tambaram Badminton Premier League (TBPL) at Chennai recently for his contributions to the field of badminton for the past 45 years.

A six-time National Champion, Arun has won silver and bronze medals at the World Senior Badminton Championships held at Kaula Lumpur (Malaysia) and Sophia (Bulgaria) respectively.

A native of Nelji, close to Napoklu in Kodagu, Arun Poovaiah is presently based in Bengaluru and is involved in coaching  budding Badminton players.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / May 13th, 2025

Karisma Aiyappa crowned ‘Mrs. Bharat California 2025’

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nri's / Pio's, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , , , , , , , , ,

Karisma Aiyappa (centre) was crowned ‘Mrs. Bharat California 2025’ by Mydream TV USA at an event held at California recently.

Karisma, a HR/logistics professional in Silicon Valley, is a former State-level athlete and a passionate dancer.

Picture above shows Karisma walking the ramp in the traditional Kodava attire

A native of South Kodagu and daughter of Poilengada P. Machamma and late Alemanda Aiyappa, residents of Kuvempunagar in Mysuru, Karisma is married to Abhishek, an employee of Microsoft, Bay Area, California, USA.

Karisma’s participation in various Coorg events in the USA showcases her commitment to her heritage.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / May 13th, 2025