Paddana is an important aspect of the folklore of Tulunadu region. They are also referred to as Pardana, Paddano, Paddono and Padadana. The Tulu word “Paddana” probably is borrowed and adapted from other languages in Tulunadu region. Singing of these Tulu folk narrative poems is a distinguishing feature of the spirit worship or spirit possession and these very narrative songs are called paddana or pardana.
A paddana is virtually an autobiography of a spirit – the accounts of his or her birth, adventure, travels and finally attainment. These narrative songs must have originated in the course of spirit worship. Once composed they were preserved and handed over to the next generations by the professional, hereditary spirit or the Bhoota performers. If these beautiful narratives songs are still available, they are largely because of these Bhoota artistes.
Of course, paddanas are sung in other contexts as well. While uprooting paddy saplings and transplanting them; while extracting juice from the palm trees or as a leisure time activity, these folk narratives are sung. The people who constantly hear a paddana, memorise it and sing it in the contexts like in the paddy fields or at home.
The most well-known and celebrated paddanas are ‘Koti Chennaiah’ and ‘Siri’.
Koti Chennaiah has its base and is popular in the Southern regions of Tulunadu. Most of the 70s, 80s and 90s generations might hear this from grandparents or great grand parents. This culture needs to be definitely carried forward.
