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Kakkabe: The annual Kalladcha Festival, celebrated a day before the Puthari festival, was observed with traditional fervour on Friday at the Lord Igguthappa Temple in Padi, near Kakkabe.
The festival commenced with the Ettuporaata (ceremonial ox procession), a revered ritual that concluded at the temple premises. Devotees participated in various offerings, including the Tulabhara seva, and other sacred rituals. The ceremonies culminated in a Maha Puja, after which holy water (Teertha) and Prasada were distributed to the devotees.
Lord Igguthappa, a principal deity of the Kodava community, is venerated across Kodagu by people from multiple communities. As part of the celebrations, temple authorities performed Bali Pradakshina (ritual circumambulation) and offered prayers for the region’s prosperity and well-being.
In keeping with tradition, devotees and temple authorities journeyed to Malma Hill, the original site of Lord Igguthappa’s worship, accompanied by the Ettuporaata. Priests from the Peruru and Nelaji Sri Igguthappa Temples also brought their ceremonial ox processions to Malma.
The rituals at Malma included purification ceremonies, the Kalasha Puja, and the Ettuporaata Dudikottpata. Ceremonial rice from the ox processions was divided among the Padi, Peruru, and Nelaji temples. The event concluded with special prayers for regional prosperity, followed by the symbolic loosening of the deity’s sacred ties.
In the evening, the festive atmosphere continued with grand celebrations. Temple authorities, devotees, community leaders, and representatives from various organisations participated enthusiastically.
The Nelaji Igguthappa Temple’s annual festival featured the Ettuporaata, special pujas, and prayers. A Maha Puja was conducted, and devotees received holy offerings (Teertha Prasada) before enjoying a communal feast, marking the conclusion of the vibrant celebrations.
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