Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Mar 9: Holi is the grand festival for the Konkani Kharvi community of the taluk. On March 8, a grand and colourful Holi procession was held in the city by the community.

There is a special significance for the Holi festival that is celebrated in the city. Kamadahana is done by the community on the last day of Holi.

The Konkani Kharvi community venerate power god Mahakali. They are very devoted towards Goddess Mahakali. They also refer Goddess Mahakali as Mahasaraswati and Mahalaxmi. This temple is situated at Kharvikeri of the city. Holi begins and ends in this temple.

Holi is celebrated for seven days by the community. On the first day Holi Maand programme is held. Then stick dance and Holi songs are sung. Various rituals are held in the paddy field where the Holi is burnt on the fourth day. More than 5000 people take part in the celebration. The crematorium is also visited as part of the ritual.

Seventh day is celebrated as the day of colours. On this day colour is first applied on the Goddess and then the procession begins. On Wednesday the festival concluded in a grand manner.