CNC Marks Codava New Year With Traditional Rituals, Reiterates Key Demands

The celebrations began early in the morning with ritualistic worship of Mother Earth in a paddy field owned by Kupadhira N. Mohan.

Madikeri, April 14: The Codava National Council (CNC) celebrated Edmyar 1, the Codava New Year, on April 14 with traditional rituals at Bettathur village in Bengnaad, marking the 32nd consecutive year of public observance as per the Codava calendar.

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The celebrations began early in the morning with ritualistic worship of Mother Earth in a paddy field owned by Kupadhira N. Mohan. As part of the ceremony, CNC Chairman N. U. Nachappa Codava performed symbolic ploughing of the field using a pair of bullocks, Kempaiah and Kariyana, signifying the community’s deep-rooted connection with agriculture and nature.

The event highlighted the cultural significance of Edmyar Ondh, which aligns with other regional harvest festivals such as Vishu and Vaisakhi. CNC stated that such rituals reflect the enduring bond of the Codava community with their land and heritage, while also preserving their indigenous traditions for future generations.

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In a resolution issued on the occasion, CNC reiterated its long-standing demands, including geo-political autonomy for Codavaland under constitutional provisions, Scheduled Tribe status for the Codava community, and inclusion of the Codava language, Codava Thakk, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The organisation also called for UNESCO recognition of Codava cultural heritage and continuation of traditional gun-related religious practices under constitutional protections.

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The council further sought exclusive political representation for the community and recognition as an indigenous ethnic group under international conventions.

Several members of the Kupadhira clan and other community representatives, including Lt Col B.M. Parvathi and local residents, were present and witnessed the rituals.

CNC said it has been organising public celebrations of Codava festivals since its inception to promote awareness about the community’s unique identity and to strengthen efforts towards cultural preservation and recognition.

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