Madikeri: The traditional harvest festival of Kodagu, Huttari was celebrated by native Kodavas braving the inclement weather in the fort premises on December 14.
The once famous, Huthari Kolat (Harvest festival dance), during the reign of King Haleri Lingarajendra at the fort premises was revived few years ago by the Sri Omkareshwari Temple Managing Committee.
Rich Kodava culture came to the fore once again, when the temple managing committee joined hands with Kodava Sahitya Academy, Arebashe Sahitya Academy and Kodava Samaj members.
Prayers were offered and harvested produce was brought in from the lands to fill the barns as is the age old custom in Kodagu. The state government too had declared a holiday in the district to facilitate people from Kodagu to take active part in the festivities.
Puttari Aramane Kol (harvest festival dance with sticks) was inaugurated by MLC Veena Achaiah. Dressed in traditional Kodava attire, Hebbattageri resident Devatakka Pandira Monnappa and his family members danced to the rhythm of the falling rain and the music to enthrall the gathering with Kolat, Bolakat and Kattiyat , the traditional dance forms of native Kodavas on festive occasions.
Women draped in beautiful sarees from Kodava Sahitya Academy and from local Kodava samaj drew wide appreciation from the select gathering when their footsteps moved in tandem with music.
Virajpet BJP Legislator K G Bopaiah, Additional Deputy Commissioner Satish Kumar, Arebashe Sahitya Academy President Kolya Girish, Madikeri Kodava Samaj President K S Devaiah, Omkareshwara temple committee former chief K S Ramesh, Kodav Samaja Director Tapanda Sarasu Thammaiah were among many others present in the gathering to witness the colorful festivities.
