The Kodava community’s rich traditions are on full display this month at public spaces known as mandh in Kodagu. Celebrating the harvest festival Puthari, the Puthari Mandh Namme brings life to village mandhs with vibrant cultural performances like Puthari Kolat and Pareyakali.
A mandh, officially documented as paisari land, holds cultural and sacred significance for the Kodava people. Post-harvest, these spaces become the heart of community gatherings. “After the paddy harvest, villagers traditionally took a break from farming and celebrated at their local mandh, leading to the birth of Puthari Mandh Namme,” shared Shashi Somaiah, a Madikeri resident.
Though the mandh culture faced decline in recent years, Kodava organizations have successfully revived this heritage. Today, many mandhs host the festival, witnessing enthusiastic participation from villagers.
Puthari Kolat takes center stage, but other age-old performances such as Pareyakali, Dudkott Paat, Umathaat, Balopaat, and Bolkaat add to the cultural splendor. The first Puthari Mandh event commenced at Madikeri Fort, setting the stage for month-long celebrations across Kodagu’s villages.
These gatherings not only preserve the Kodava community’s folklore and tribal traditions but also strengthen bonds among villagers.
Read Also;