Is Mysuru Dasara a 'Naada Habba'?
South India has been opposing the imposition of cultural and political imageries by north India in various ways. Two years ago, the central government had to face people’s wrath for making ‘Onam’ of Kerala into ‘Vamana Jayanthi’. Dravida thoughts are resurfacing in Tamil Nadu. ‘Mahisha Dasara’ was celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Karnataka as against the usually accepted format of Dasara. Mahisha Dasara made an excellent effort to put forth the true narrative of the Dasara, with people from Dalit, shudra and minority communities along with rational thinkers and intellectuals joining the celebrations.
Mysore or Mysuru is name that is based on the identity of ‘Mahishasura’. And this name is being misconstrued in an attempt to provide the legend of this very land. Mahishasura was a king from tribal community who was loved the most by his subjects. Mahisuru or Mahisha Mandala has mentions in history and religious texts as well. Buddhist literature has references to this. A scripture from king Ashoka’s time has the name of Mahisha Mandala. As a prominent member of this community, Mahisha was a known as a great lover of animals, especially the buffalos. Dravida identity should never ever forget him. Buddhists have had great links with Mahisha Mandala and there are references to prove this claim. Today, we are in an inevitable situation where we have to revisit our understanding of history through Mahisha’s memories. It is inevitable that Mahisha be deconstructed for the sake of new generation. In this regard, Kannadigas should insist that the government should celebrate Mahisha Dasara through its authorities.
Mahisha upholds the values of grassroots culture of this land, while the brahminical and feudal reminisces of this celebration is being showcased as the real celebration. Even the state government endorses this as undeclared ‘state festival’ or ‘Naada Habba’. How should a Naada Habba be? It should bring all the Kannadigas together. It should not glorify any single caste/religion or identity but embody the spirit of the festival together to hold up the Kannadiga identity. It should be a beautiful coming together of rationality, intellect, scientific temperament, co-eixtence and folk.
Basavanna, Santa Shishunala Shareefa, Kanaka Dasa, Sufi saints and Kuvempu among the other big names should be made the pride of Dasara celebration. But what is happening now? Brahminical pride and remnants of the monarch rule are being held up celebrations of Naada Habba using government money and people’s resources. The royals of Mysuru are being held high in praise while violence takes the centre stage in Dasara. Jambu Savari is a big epitome of slavery and subjugation. Why is the government spending crores of rupees on this wasted celebration when this has nothing to do with showcasing the Kannada pride?
Many prominent thinkers and leaders had objected to Jamboo Savari parade in the past owing to reasons such as it embodied the slavery to the royal family. Since we entered a democratic set up, one need not be subjugated to the royal family which lost its glory in 1947 when the country became independent and turned a republic. Only the royals and priestly class need this glory back. Jamboo Savari is no metaphor to Kannadiga pride. How is it appropriate to engage elephants to carry a golden howdah when lakhs of people are present on the long stretch of roads where they walk? This is a clear violation of wildlife protection act.
If Dasara is to be a Naada Habba in true sense, it is important to make many changes in this. Kannada identity should gain most prominent position and not the priestly celebrations. Kannada culture and language should be held in high regard. Violence has to be eradicated from this. Jamboo Savari has to stop completely. Mysuru Dasara has to remember Mahisha Mandala and the contribution of this king to make this land the way it is. Dasara turns meaningful with that. Government should celebrate Mahisha Dasara to showcase the culture and rationality of this land. On the other hand, November 1, the Kannada Rajyotsava day is the true Naada Habba for us. The elements that make Dasara the Naada Habba want us to go back into the control of priestly class and royalty, ignoring the democracy at our own peril. When Kodagu is reeling under the aftereffects of floods and rains, government should consider reducing the pomp of Dasara and helping people of Kodagu stand on their feet.
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Mangaluru: Young woman from West Bengal found unwell near Netravati river, Gang rape suspected
Mangaluru: A young woman from West Bengal was reportedly found in a severely ill condition by locals late Wednesday night near Ranipur, on the banks of Nethravathi river, leading to suspicions of gang rape.
The woman has been admitted to a private hospital in Derlakatte. The police have registered a case and are investigating the incident.
Reports suggest that three people including a rickshaw driver allegedly gang-raped the victim. The police have reportedly taken the rickshaw driver into custody based on the suspicion.
It has been alleged that a group of young individuals brought the young woman to a house near the banks of the Netravati river in Ranipur and committed the crime.
The young woman, native of West Bengal, who had come to Mangaluru with a friend in search of employment, and was living in Uppala, Kerala. She ventured out alone at midnight and reportedly sought help from an auto-rickshaw driver she met. It is learned that the driver, under the pretext of offering assistance, allowed her to board his vehicle, administered drugs to her, and then committed the crime along with his accomplices.
The young woman, who was severely injured, knocked on the door of a local resident's house late at night. She collapsed and fell unconscious after asking for water. The family promptly alerted the police.
Upon receiving the information, the police rushed to the spot and immediately admitted the young woman to the hospital. Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal later visited the scene.
