Huthari, also known as Puthari, is a festival that marks the harvest of the new rice crop in Kodagu, a district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is one of the most important and joyous festivals for the Kodavas, the native people of Kodagu, who are known for their distinctive culture and traditions. It is a festival that celebrates the bounty of nature, the gratitude of the farmers, and the unity of the community.
Significance
Huthari is a festival that signifies the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of the new one. It is a festival that honors the goddess of paddy, Bhagavathi, who is believed to reside in the fields and bless the crops. It is a festival that expresses the thankfulness of the farmers to the goddess, the earth, and the rain for providing them with food and livelihood. It is a festival that showcases the rich and diverse heritage of the Kodavas, who have a strong bond with their land and their ancestors. It is a festival that fosters the spirit of brotherhood, harmony, and generosity among the people, who share their joy and prosperity with each other.
Origin
Huthari is a festival that has a long and ancient history, dating back to the pre-Vedic times. It is a festival that originated from the tribal rituals of the Kodavas, who were originally hunters and gatherers, and later became farmers and warriors. It is a festival that evolved from the animistic beliefs of the Kodavas, who worshipped the natural forces and the spirits of their ancestors. It is a festival that adapted to the changing times and influences of the various religions and cultures that came in contact with the Kodavas, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Christianity. It is a festival that retained its unique and original character and charm, despite the modernization and urbanization of the society.
Celebration and Custom
Huthari is a festival that is celebrated with various religious and cultural activities that reflect the essence and values of the Kodavas. Some of the common customs and traditions followed during the festival are:
- Nere Kattuva: This is a ritual of tying sacred threads around the paddy fields, the houses, and the temples, to ward off evil spirits and protect the crops and the people. It is done by the elders of the family or the village, who also perform prayers and offerings to the goddess Bhagavathi and the ancestors. It is a way of seeking the blessings and guidance of the divine and the departed.
- Kadiru Kottuva: This is a ritual of cutting the first sheaves of the new paddy crop, which are called kadiru, and bringing them home in a procession. It is done by the men of the family or the village, who wear traditional costumes and carry swords and guns. They also fire shots in the air and chant praises of the goddess and the ancestors. It is a way of expressing the joy and pride of the harvest and the heritage.
- Huthari Kali: This is a ritual of offering the kadiru to the family deity or the village deity, who is usually Igguthappa, the god of rain and prosperity. It is done by the women of the family or the village, who wear traditional sarees and jewelry. They also sing and dance to the tunes of folk songs and music. It is a way of showing the gratitude and devotion to the god and the goddess.
- Huthari Oota: This is a ritual of preparing and serving a feast of various delicacies, made from the new rice and other ingredients. It is done by the members of the family or the village, who cook and eat together in a communal manner. They also exchange gifts and greetings with each other. It is a way of sharing the happiness and abundance of the festival.
Special foods prepared during the festival
Huthari is a festival that is celebrated with a variety of delicious and mouth-watering dishes, both sweet and savory. Some of the special foods prepared during the festival are:
- Thambuttu: This is a sweet dish made of rice flour, jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. It is shaped into small balls and steamed or fried. It is offered to the deity and then distributed to the people as a prasada. It is a symbol of the sweetness and freshness of the new rice.
- Kottige: This is a savory dish made of rice flour, coconut, and salt. It is stuffed with a spicy mixture of onion, green chili, and coriander. It is wrapped in turmeric or banana leaves and steamed. It is served with a curry of chicken or mutton. It is a filling and satisfying meal and a favorite among the youngsters.
- Kadambuttu: This is a savory dish made of rice flour and water. It is kneaded into a dough and shaped into small balls. It is cooked in boiling water and then drained. It is served with a curry of chicken or pork. It is a soft and fluffy snack and a winter delicacy.
- Noolputtu: This is a savory dish made of rice flour and water. It is pressed through a sieve to form thin noodles. It is steamed and then separated. It is served with a curry of chicken or fish. It is a light and tasty dish and a comfort food.
Destinations to visit in Bengaluru during the festival
Huthari is a festival that is celebrated with enthusiasm and zeal in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. There are many places to visit and enjoy the festival in the city, such as:
- Mysuru Kodava Samaja: This is the oldest and the largest association of the Kodavas in Bengaluru, located in Kuvempunagar. It was established in 1943 and has a beautiful campus and a serene ambiance. It is the main venue for the celebration of Huthari and attracts thousands of devotees and visitors. It organizes various events and activities, such as Nere Kattuva, Kadiru Kottuva, Huthari Kali, Huthari Oota, and folk dances and music, during the festival. It also has a library, a museum, and a school within its premises.
- Sri Guru Singh Sabha: This is the oldest and the largest gurdwara in Bengaluru, located in Ulsoor. It was established in 1943 and has a splendid and elegant architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular destination for the celebration of Huthari, as the Kodavas have a close affinity with the Sikhs, who also celebrate the harvest festival of Baisakhi. It hosts various programs and functions, such as Akhand Path, Prabhat Pheri, Langar, Kirtan, and Katha, during the festival. It also has a library, a museum, and a school within its premises.
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden: This is one of the most famous and beautiful gardens in Bengaluru, located in Basavanagudi. It was established in 1760 and has a vast and varied collection of plants and trees. It is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy the festival, as it showcases the beauty and diversity of nature, which is the essence of Huthari. It also hosts various events and exhibitions, such as flower shows, fruit shows, and bonsai shows, during the festival. It also has a lake, a glasshouse, and a rock garden within its premises.
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