Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 11: A number of traditions, belief systems and rituals followed in Tulunadu have their own sets of backgrounds and importance. Even though the festivals are known with the same name among Hindus everywhere, local observations and traditions can be different depending upon regional influences. During Deepavali people light earthen lamps, offer puja to Tulsi plant, and burst crackers. In the houses of farmers, this is the way they honour motherland and invite Baliyendra to visit the earth to express their gratitude.

But there are different observations in Karkala and Hiriadka areas in the district. Maankaali tradition here is like the Ati Kalanja which visit every rural household in Beltangady, Puttur and Sullia areas.

Members of Pana or Nalike community, beginning on the Deepavali Padya day, tie Gaggara (jingle bells) around their ankles, wear saris, wear masks made of areca sheets and begin to dance at every house, beginning from the village head's house. They go to every house and convey blessings to individual families after doing a few dance steps.

Daddedajji, Baliyendra and Maankaali of Tulunadu are connected with each other. When the people wearing masks visit houses, after the visitors do their dancing, the families give them rice, oil, salt, chilli, betel leaves, coconut, cash etc. In Tulu, this is known as 'Padiyari'.

Before starting their dance steps, the men donned as Maankaali, cut some paddy corns, pray for the rich harvests to happen year after year, before placing the corn on the rooftop.

The Pana communities which visit houses have areas called 'Seeme' earmarked between them. The community members belonging to one 'Seeme' cannot visit the other. Even though they wear masks and dance, they cannot use hands to express any emotions. When one of them beats 'Tembere (percussion instrument) and sings songs, the other dances to the tune. It is believed that Maankaali climbs down from the heights of mountains to drive away illnesses and poverty. After accepting the donations, the dancers go away after blessing the family.

Maankaali dance is performed for the last time on the day of Tulsi Puja. They symbolically serve the paddy, rice, coconuts, salt, tamarind, pieces of charcoal and chilli they get that day by the side of their houses. They also place the mask of Maankaali in front of this serving and pray to the Goddess to drive away the evils affecting the village. They then float their masks away in the river. This is symbolic of sending away the evil powers which had come here to cast bad influence and destroy good things.