From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Madikeri Dasara
Madikeri Dasara
This article describes the way Dasara festival is celebrat-
ed in the city of Madikeri in the Indian State of Karnata-
ka. It has an history of over 100 years. Madikeri Dasara
is a 10 day celebration, which is beautified by 4 Karagas
and 10 Mantapas depicting killing of Asuras [demons]
by Suras [God/Goddess]. Preparation for Madikeri dasara
starts before 3 months. Most of the money for this cel-
ebration is collected from the people of Kodagu. Each of
these 10 Mantapa committee has 50 to 100 members. A
Mantapa comprises idols of height 8 to 15 feet, which is
set up at the front of a lighting board. The cost of build-
ing a Mantapa will be Rs. 3 to 5 Lakhs.
Karaga from Dandina Mariamma Temple
Dasara Idol from Kundurumotte Temple
History
Many years ago there was a disease in Madikeri which Closer look of Karaga Dance
caused the people to suffer a lot. The disease spread all
over Madikeri Town. The King of Madikeri decided to On the first day of Navarathri, the priests of these
start Mariamma festival. Hence from that time onwards four Temples carry the tools required to build karaga on
Mariamma festival has been celebrated. The festival their head and make their way to a Place called Pamp-
starts the day after Mahalaya Amavasye. Hence Dasara ina Kere. The members of the Temple Committee also
starts of with four Karagas. join this puja at Pampina Kere. A team of Volaga (a type
It is the second most famous Dasara Festival in India of Band in Kodagu ) will also accompany these Karagas.
after Mysore Dasara.[citation needed] Volaga gives the people an indication that the Karaga is
coming and also it gives a rhythm for the Karaga Dance.
Karaga in Madikeri Dasara The priest who takes up the Karaga is dressed with Yel-
low coloured Kacche. Also the Priest’s head is shaved. He
There are 4 Mariamma Temples in the town: Dandina holds a Knife in one hand and a Wooden stick (called
Mariamma, Kanchi Kamakshi, Kundurumotte Sri Chowti as Bettha in Kannada) on the other. These Priests start
Mariamma and Kote Mariamma. Each of these Mariamma build Karaga by using Flowers like Jasmin, Kanakambara,
Temples has Karaga, which starts on the first day of Sevantige etc. After building the Karaga, there will be
Navaratri. These four Karagas represent the "Shakthi De- a pooja for these four Karagas. The Temple Priests take
vathas" of the town. All the Temples will be decorated by the Karaga on their head after this pooja and head to-
Lights and the whole Madikeri looks more beautiful on wards their Temples. Karaga dance is very nice to watch.
these 10 days. The people of Madikeri give puja for all the Karagas. Till
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Madikeri Dasara
Aayudha Pooja, these Karagas visit almost every home of
Madikeri and take pujas.
Mantapa from Kanchi Kamakshi Temple in Dasara procession
People watching the Karaga Dance starts in the Night of Vijayadashami. Each Mantapa is of
height about 21 to 25 feet. Studio setting is also done for
these Mantapas. There will a Band set in front of every
Cultural programs Mantap for the youth to dance. Whole Night Lakhs of
The city Dasara Committee organises cultural programs people will be away from their houses to watch this pro-
all the 10 days. The first 7 days the programs will be there cession. Each of these Mantapa depict the historical sto-
at Kauveri Kalaskhetra. Rest three days the programs are ries of Hindu Mythology. The Idols in the mantap are giv-
conducted at a Stage near Raja Seat. On the day of Vi- en movements to match the story. Top Three best deco-
jayadashami, there will an orchestra from night 9 p.m. rated Mantapas will be given prizes from the city Dasara
till morning 6 a.m. The program concludes with the price committee.
distribution cermoney for the top 3 Mantapas.
External links
Procession of Mantapas • Madikeri Dasara Official Website
Another main attraction of Madikeri Dasara is the Pro- • Video-Mantapa in Madikeri Dasara
cession of Mantapas from 10 Temples. The procession
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Madikeri_Dasara&oldid=410053384"
Categories:
• Hindu festivals
• Festivals in Karnataka
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