Trailer | Madikeri ಯನ್ನು ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಈ ಶಕ್ತಿದೇವತೆಗಳು ಯಾರು?। Ft Thammappanna | Madikeri Dasara

Madikeri Karaga and Madikeri Dasara have a vibrant history spanning over a century, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Kodagu district, Karnataka.

Origins and Early History

- The festival began as a community thanksgiving and spiritual observance during the reign of the Haleri Kings of Kodagu, continuing even through periods like the Second World War without interruption.
- According to local legend, Madikeri suffered from an epidemic centuries ago, prompting the king to initiate a collective Mariamma festival that evolved into the present-day Dasara. This act was believed to invoke protection from four main Shakthi Devathas (goddesses) who continue to guard the town: Kunduru Motte Chowti Maariamma, Dandina Maariamma, Kote Maariamma, and Kanchi Kamakshi.

### The Karaga Rituals

- Each goddess has a temple in Madikeri, and their priests—some serving for over 40 years—carry the sacred ‘Karaga’ vessels on their heads, filled with rice, grains, and water, and decorated with jasmine, kanakambara, and sevantige flowers.
- The Karaga procession, accompanied by traditional Kodava volaga bands, begins at Pampinakere and visits nearly every household in Madikeri for five days, inviting puja and prayers from devotees.
- The Karaga ritual is central to the Dasara festivities and has become a symbol of community unity and spiritual strength.

### Growth and Community Impact

- In the early years, Madikeri Dasara had only four Mantapas (decorated tableaux), which were gradually increased to ten, now forming the spectacular Dashamantapa procession that attracts lakhs of visitors.
- Individuals like Bheem Singh from Rajasthan played a key role in shaping the festival’s modern celebrations, introducing mechanized Mantapa parades and new artistic forms in the 1950s.[1][4]
- Today, the festival features diverse cultural events: Children’s Dasara, Women’s Dasara, Youth Dasara, Folk Dasara, Coffee Dasara, poetry contests, and sporting events, making it Kodagu’s most anticipated annual celebration after Mysore Dasara.

### Key Historical Notes

- Madikeri Dasara has never been stopped, maintaining its religious and traditional fervor through generations.
- The festival is organized and funded by local temple committees and the Kodava community, further strengthening its social and spiritual significance.

Madikeri Karaga and Dasara, with its centuries-old traditions, remain a testament to Kodagu’s cultural resilience, diversity, and devotion to its town guardians.

#madikeridasara #madikeri #kodagu #kodagudasara #tourisminkarnataka

Видео Trailer | Madikeri ಯನ್ನು ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಈ ಶಕ್ತಿದೇವತೆಗಳು ಯಾರು?। Ft Thammappanna | Madikeri Dasara канала Major Kushvanth Studios