MANGALORE: Deepavali celebrations in Sullia taluk lays special emphasis on the celebration of ‘symbiotic life’ of farmers and nature. The rituals in this festival, which features more number of oil lamps than any other festival, glorifies agrarian practices which have withstood changes. On the Amavasya day, the head of the family, after a purification bath sets off to the nearest forest to collect two straight ‘Baliyendra’ wood pieces. After the particular tree is chopped, the two wooden pieces are set in a manner making them stand at a minimum height of five to six feet from the ground.Traditional lamps, placed atop the two wooden pieces, are kept burning for the next three days. The poles are decorated with flowers and the paddy’s inflorescence is also utilised on this occasion. The decorated poles symbolise ‘Bali Chakravarthi’.According to a belief, the earthly worship after dusk with traditional lamps appeases Baliyendra who in turn blesses a bounty crop for farmers. On the first day of celebrations, Baliyendra is served with rice and coconut. On the second day, beaten rice, banana, arecanut, betel leaf and tender coconut are offered. Cows are bathed and readied for ‘Go pooja’. On that day, the cattle receive special attention including a pooja.While offering banana, paddy and other vegetables to cattle, people sing a Paaddana that sort of prepares farmers to the harsh summer season. The Paadaana makes a special appeal to the livestock to help them in farming practices despite a scarcity in food and water. On the final day, the offerings includes cucumber, coconut and rice. After serving these items, all members of the family, in raised voices, extend an invitation to king Baliyendra by shouting “Hariye Baliyendra... Koo...” The members repeat the invitation three times. After the invitation has been forwarded, the members turn their back in the belief that Baliyendra accepts the offerings when not being watched. The celebrations turn grandiose with the preparation of different types of dishes sweets, which are served to members and guests. This exchange of sweets is in accordance with the dictum of King Baliyendra to have healthy relationship with neighbours.On the fourth day, the ‘Baliyendra’ wooden poles are uprooted and placed beside a stream, just as the idols of Ganesha are immersed in water. As most families were poor in those days, a sumptuous feast was possible only during such festivals. However, the times have changed and bursting crackers has become the crux of Deepavali celebrations. Tulu scholar Vamana Nandavar said Deepavali should be celebrated to protect the age-old customs and traditions.
Comments
0 comment