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One of Codava National Council(CNC's) objectives has finally been achieved—showcasing the classical red vastra, kupya- chele, and Codava Podeya, the classical attire of Codavas, at the Mass Codava Consensus Rally on February 7, 2025. For this historical showcase of Codava classical attire publicly, CNC is ever grateful to all the Codava people.
For the past 35 years, the irrepressible voice of the indigenous Codava world and the resilient, sustainable Codava resistance movement, CNC has been striving for:
- Codavaland Geo-Political Autonomy, Self-rule, and Self-determination
- Recognition of Indigenous Codavas under UN conventions
- Special political representation in the Assembly and Parliament
- ST status - for the vulnerable, dwindling, endangered, and ancient indigenous Codava tribe.
- Constitutional special protection for our land, language, cultural heritage, economic and political freedom.
Relentlessly and tirelessly, CNC has fought for these legitimate demands since past 35 years.
To substantiate our rightful claim and make the authorities understand that we are a distinct race and need our own space, we started regularly wearing the red chek vastra, despite humiliation from our own community as at that time, they were ignorant about the importance of folkloric heritage. CNC also publicly celebrated all Codava festivals, including the Bale Benguva ritual (cutting the banana stump).
As per Article 51A (f) of our Constitution, to attract the attention of the world community and constitutional authorities, we displayed our traditional attire. Initially, we faced resistance from our own people. When I first started regularly wearing the red chek vastra on my head, many mocked me, many called me a mad person. Yet, with great patience and perseverance, like an ascetic, I continued the practice. CNC already knew that the 'Bale Benguvo' ritual is carried out on many auspicious occasions from time immemorial. People who were unaware of this ritual practice commented very badly about me.
But.......During this Padayatre, the Bale Benguva ritual was conducted where 99% of the participants proudly wore the red vastra on their heads, while Codava women donned the traditional Codava Podeya.
Showcasing our traditional attire itself is an achieved objective of CNC—one of CNC’s greatest legacy to the present youth of Codava Community. Today, we have achieved one of our long-standing objectives.
CNC is humbled to witness this landmark event, where participants fully embraced the Codava traditional attire, a vision which the Codava National Council advocated for over 35 years.
The same people/organizations/ Codava media who opposed wearing Codava attire on daily basis have endorsed their acceptance by wearing Codava attire publicly in this mass convention.
How Codava people overwhelmingly and spontaneously displayed the significance of classical attire on this occasion, in the very same spirit we pray to divine mother Cauvery and Guru-Kaaronas to shower blessings to all Codavas to imbibe and understand about CNC's far vision and Constitutional aspirations advocated by Codava National Council.
We wholeheartedly thank all Codava participants who proudly wore their traditional attire. Once again, I appeal to the Codava people to continue wearing and showcasing our traditional attire regularly in the future. This will strengthen the Codava self-determination movement and invigorate the Codava renaissance.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect The Kodagu Express’ stance. The publication is not responsible for its accuracy. Readers are encouraged to form their own opinions.
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