Pics: Raghavendra Kundapur
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 10: A week-long traditional Holi festival ended with the bringing down of the worshipped coconut from its place of worship on Monday, March 9, as it is a full moon day. It is celebrating by different communities in different ways in terms of costumes, religious rituals and customs.
Normally according to Hindu traditions, Holi Hunnime day (Holi full moon day) is celebrated a day after the 'Kamadahana' day. Kamadahana is also known with the name, Kamana Habba.
The way Holi is celebrated by the Marathi community which is grouped under scheduled tribe (ST) category that lives in Pethri, is unique.
Normally people celebrate Holi by using powdered colour in different hues which are sprayed or smeared on each other, coupled with dances and organising party at night with friends or family.
The Marathi Naik community people visit every house, duly wearing colourful costumes and playing their traditional musical instrument, Gumta, and performing Kolata dance holding sticks.
The artistes of the community get training from their senior artistes. These artistes work in different fields. All of them give up non-vegetarian food during Holi festival to conserve its sanctity. Before starting the Holi dance on the first day, the holi team offers puja to Goddess Amba Bhavani. Along with this, coconut puja is offered to Tulsi, seeking blessings for event-free Holi dance session and the coconut is then kept at the Tulasi platform and this will remain there for six days.
Holi dance starts every evening, and it is continued till late night.
During the Holi, villagers light lamps around their Tulsi platforms, as this is a sign of welcoming the artistes to their houses. As many as 20 to 25 members form a group usually. The dances provide complete visual treat to the audience.
According to the locals, most of the Marathi people are dependent on farming and animal husbandry. This festival is more about religious beliefs than logical thoughts. Some people believe that sincere celebration of Holi results in fruitful results to their respective families. They believe it spells auspicious for them. These artistes perform dances in some parts of their respective areas. Villagers welcome the dance groups to their homes by offering jaggery and water and usually offer
gifts as a token of gratitude, rice or coconuts and money depending on their capacity and tradition.
Holi festival delivers a good message to the society of living in harmony, conserving traditions, and living happily. We have to pass on this tradition and culture to the future generation. Now a days it is heartening to note that many educated, young people are attracted towards Holi tradition and take interest in participating in dance performances, which is really a good sign.