The Monsoon Festivities of North Karnataka

 Dear Readers,

I have started blogging again after a long while. As a matter of fact, I have forgotten the details of my earlier blogs that I used to publish about two decades ago! It just occurred to me while discussing with a group of students at my Institute that I should restart this hobby! 

When I was just pondering over what topic to start with, the ongoing monsoon in various states of India and the festivities, rituals and conventions associated with the months of Monsoon inspired me to write the present article. Considering the vastness of the topic, I shall restrict myself to write on the festivities that line up during the Monsoon in the Northern Karnataka.

The hallmark of Indian culture is closely knit familial relations; be it the Parental love or a brother-sister bonding. Further, each festival or a ritual that is religiously followed among Indians reflects it's inherent consideration for the enormity of the Nature, concern for the environment and love for the other living beings sch as animals, birds, reptiles and even the plants.

1. Mannettina Amavasya: I believe this marks the onset of festivals in North Karnataka, Andra Prasdesh and even some parts of Maharashtra. I fondly remember my childhood days when our mother used assign us bringing a clay made bullock (colloquially named as Basavanna) from the nearby idol maker on every Monday of the month of Ashadha (coinciding with July/August of English calendar). We used to bring the intricately made idols with clay (not Plaster of Paris) and install in the place of worship (one each on successive 4/5 Mondays as the HIndu calendar would prescribe). Mother would worship them by offering vermillion, Vibhuti, flowers and Naivedyam. This ritual throughout the month culminate in to Mannettina Amavasya (Mannu=Clay; Amavasya=New Moon Day). In retrospect, it makes me realize the meaning of this whole ritual that the bullock and Oxen, being integral part of a farmers resources is given a fitting tribute this way having completed the rigorous ploughing and sowing activities in his farmland.

2. Naga Panchami: The above ritual is typicaly followed by Naga Panchami, on the fifth day of the New Moon Day. Here Naga refers to the Snake God. Generally, snakes are associated with venomous bites and threat to life. However, the Indian farmers consider snakes as their friends as they prey on rats, the major spoilers of agriculture crops. On this day, every family depute their men to the daughters matrimonial house for short sojourn back home and the festivities. Jhoolas (Rope made suspensions to treas in the front/backyard of the house, where the ladies and kids would sit and joyously swing. Many folk songs have been in vogue attributing to this event.   In olden days, there used to be Naga Bana (a green belt earmarked for snakes) in every village. Women would flock here on Naga Panchami to worship the Snake God and seek his blessings for marital bliss, reproductive health and safety for their family. Sweet dishes (Laddoos) made of different nuts and flour and the usals (a snack made of grams) mark the menu on this day.

3. Raskha Bandhan: This festival alternatively is called Naral Poornima in Majharashtra. The festival is celebrated all over India on full moon day following Naga Panchami in the month of Shravana. This is another festival that reflects the pure love between a brother and sister. On this day, every brother will go to his sister to get Rakhi (sacred thread of silk) tied on his right wrist. Sisters are also offered gifts and a lifetime promise to safeguard them from evils.

4. Ganesh Chathurthi: The above festivities pave way for further grandeur of the festivities of Ganesh Chathurthi (festival). The event is specially of importance in Maharashtra and North Karnataka. Owing to the mobility of masses across the country, now a days, Ganesh Festival is also found to make its marks in many states of South and Northern India. Lord Ganesh, the second son of Lord Shiva and younger brother of Lord Shanmukha (alternatively known as Karthikeya, Subramanya) is a symbol of wisdom and known to protect his devotees from all kinds of evils and hardships. The idol makers get busy months before in making colorful, thematic idols of the elephant God for their clients. Ever since the Iconoc Bala Gangadhar Tilak Ji (a prominent earlier leader spearheaded Indian freedom movement) from Maharashtra inspired masses to celebrate it publicly has increased the popularity and significance of the festival. Further, as the festival falls in the month of September, when rain takes halt from its incessant showers and allows people to more freely outdoors, shop for various artifacts, clothes, fire crackers (especially in North Karnataka), the festival has lot of economic importance.

Thus, I have attempted to pinpoint how the Indian festivals naturally involve the common folk on understanding, accepting, and even adoring different animals, plants in the guise of Gods. 

See you with a new topic in my next blog,

Looking for your valuable comments,

Dr. Umesh S. Kollimath