Bagalkote: Most of us know that after Kolkata, Bagalakote Holi is considered to be very special and famous in the country. It has a legacy of centuries. Eventhough Bagalkote faced many losses due to Alamatti backwaters, the Holi celebrations never fades.
This year Holi started on Friday March 18 and continued till Sunday March 20. All the three days the people enjoyed festival in same enthusiastic manner.
Bagalkote Holi is a symbol of social equality since centuries. The Peshwas began celebration of Holi in Bagalkote to eradicate social discrimination and untouchability.
There is an uniquness in Holi celebration here. Killa, Venkatpete, Halpete and now Navanagar are the hot beds for Holi celebration.
Peshwas gave Nishan (the feather for Dufli) to head of the City. Even today they carry that Nishan to Dalit areas and invite them with due respect for Holi celebrations. The spark to burn Kamadeva is being brought by the said Dalit community. Later the festival officially starts by burning Kamadeva at Killa.
Playing dufli is the main part of this festival in North Karnataka. Dufli playing begins from very next day of Shivaratri. And the dufli playing competitions are held between groups and the winners are awarded with attractive cash prizes and are also felicitated. The rhythm of Bagalakote dufli is not seen anywhere.
One more interesting fact of Bagalakote Holi celebration is that Nawab of Savanur liked the rhythm of dufli, and presented Gold medal to the youth in those days.
In 1987, Bagalakote dufli players represented the State at Flower Fair in New Delhi. It has been a proud moment for North Karnataka people.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka Holi Celebraton Committee Member Mahabaleshwar Gudagunti says, Bagalkote Holi must be given historical and global significance. We have approached the Government regarding this. The State Government too has showed positive reaction to our appeal. We are confident that Government will look into this.
