Madikeri: The Codava National Council (CNC) celebrated Kodava New Year – Edmyar Ondh—on Tuesday. The celebrations were held at Bettathur near Madikeri, and several resolutions to protect the interests of the Kodava community were taken during the event.The festivity began with the worship of ‘Mother Earth’ by CNC president NU Nachappa. The farmland in the vicinity was ploughed by bullocks, marking the start of the new year for the community. Sharing that Kodavas follow the solar calendar, Nachappa explained that CNC has been celebrating all folkloric festivals of the community publicly since its inception to promote the culture of Kodavas. “The Kodavas’ unique cultural traditions and practices are fascinating. The ritual of ploughing the paddy field by bullocks on the auspicious day of the Codava New Year, Edmyar Ondh, is a significant event,” he added.Meanwhile, CNC put forth several resolutions before the state and central govts during the event. The need for geo-political autonomy to Kodagu, recognition from the UNO for the Kodavas as a micro-ethnic group, ST tag for the community, inclusion of Kodava language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, sacrosanct status to gun and continuation of the exemption from the Arms Act without any restrictions, and special representation to the Kodavas in Parliament were stressed during the event. Several residents from the community took part in the event and welcomed the New Year.
