Kodagu keeps its date with Huthari

Madikeri: The festival of Huthari, which is also called Puthari, was celebrated in fervour at various places in Kodagu district. Various Kodava Samajas and Kodava organizations along with other community members celebrated the paddy harvesting festival.
The festival was jointly celebrtaed at Padi Igguthappa temple Pongera, Kaniyanda, Koleyanda, Bollanamanda and Iriria. While women held the Taliyatakki bolak (lamp), the men circumnavigated the temple saying ‘Poli poli deva’ and bursting crackers.The first harvested crop was decorated to Padi Iguthappa in the district
Deputy commissioner Sateesha BC prayed Padi Igguthappa for the betterment of all. He prayed that the untimely rain troubling farmers stops. Additional DC Raju Mogaveera accompanied him.
In Mruthyunjaya temple at Badagarakeri, the devotees walked long distances with the paddy crop and offered them to Lord Mruthyunjaya. Madikeri Kodava Samaj celebrated Huthari at Shri Omkareshwara temple. Codava National Council celebrated Huthari a day earlier.
The cut paddy sheaths were brought from paddy fields by farmers in a procession.
People wearing traditional Kodava dresses offered rice to Guru Karonas and then went to paddy fields belonging to selected local persons.
Huthari was celebrated in a special way in Mayamudi, Dhanugala and Ponnampet. These villages have a history of conducting the festival since 1812. The festival was celebrated here during King Veerarajendra’s regime too.
Preparation of tambuttu and other delicious food items is done during the harvest festival.
PICTURES
1.Padi Igguthappa
2.Mrithyunjaya temple