Which Kodava harvest festival, celebrated with chants of "Poli, Poli, Deva" and a ceremonial paddy harvest, invokes Lord Iguthappa?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Puthari.
Puthari is the traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Kodava community in Karnataka's Kodagu district. Occurring in late November or early December, it begins with prayers to Lord Iguthappa. Families head to the fields at night to ceremonially harvest the first stalks of paddy, chanting "Poli, Poli, Deva" (meaning "Increase, increase, O Lord"). This sacred ritual symbolizes prosperity and gratitude, followed by traditional dances like Kattiyat and the sharing of festive dishes made from the new crop.
Other options:
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Kambala: An annual buffalo race held in coastal Karnataka, primarily celebrated by the Tuluva community in muddy tracks.
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Kailpodh: Another Kodava festival known as the "Festival of Arms," where weapons and agricultural tools are cleaned and worshipped.
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Onam: The harvest festival of Kerala, celebrated by all Malayalis to commemorate the return of the legendary King Mahabali.