Suvarna Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RD)
Udupi, Apr 9: “The Koraga community is pure and disciplined in their traditional religious practices. Despite several decades passing since Independence, the community is restricted from attending ‘puja’ in temples and also victims of untouchability,” said entrepreneur Pramod Madwaraj.
He was speaking after inaugurating Koragajja drummers group, traditional musicians of Koraga community, during a function held at Ambedkar Bhavan, Tenkubirti, Varamballi, on Friday April 6. He inaugurated the group by beating the drums.
The drummers’ group has 14 traditional musicians in uniforms.
Birti Rajesh Shetty, Varamballi gram panchayat president, said that the folk art of the Koraga community has been losing its sheen owing to modernity. He commended the group for reviving the age-old tradition of ancient art.
Narayan Master said that although brass bands have mushroomed in recent years, the music of traditional drummers is many centuries old. “The music of traditional leather drums is unique and has enthralled the coastal residents during religious celebrations in contemporary times,” he added.
Varamballi gram panchayat president S Narayan, Shyam Raj Birti, Ravichandra, Jatta Koraga, and Baccha Koraga were present on the occasion.