Tula Sankramana is celebrated with great festive spirit on the first day of the Tula month by the people of Kodagu.
“Kaveramma Ukki Baa” is the only chant that fills the air around Talacauvery, from those who came to witness the Tula Sankramana that occurred on October 18, 2025.
On this auspicious day, thousands of Kodavas walk barefoot from Bhagamandala to the sacred site of Talakaveri or Talacauvery. They clad themselves in traditional Kodava attire in displaying their devotion to their revered goddess Kaveramma.
Additionally, they play their traditional musical instrument, the dudi, while singing the traditional song “Baalo Paat”. Dudi is a traditional handheld drum that provides rhythm for traditional folk songs.
What is Kaveri Tirthodbhava?
Tirthodbhava, or the birth of the Kaveri River at Brahma Kundike, is a miraculous event witnessed by thousands of devotees. Kodavas consider this a sacred and significant festival. It is a deeply revered festival for the people of Kodagu, celebrated with great joy, enthusiasm, and community bonding.
Talakaveri is the birthplace of the river Kaveri. It is the most significant pilgrimage site in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
Brahmagiri hills of Kodagu district in Karnataka are the origin of the river Kaveri. From there, it flows all the way from Kodagu, nourishing both the agricultural land and people. From Karnataka, it flows towards the state of Tamil Nadu, bringing joy and celebration to the people of that region. Finally, it merges with the Bay of Bengal.
People of Kodagu worship the river Kaveri as a mother goddess or Kaveramma, as she is the vital force that nourishes the land of Kodagu. She is considered the kula devata for the people of Kodagu.
Worshipping Surya Deva During Tula Masa
Tula Masa is also considered a sacred time to offer prayers to the Sun God, Surya Deva. Worshipping Surya Deva during this auspicious period brings peace, harmony, and mental balance, while also enhancing willpower and positive energy.
According to ancient scriptures such as the Rigveda, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Mahabharata, great emphasis is placed on the worship of Surya Deva. Performing prayers to Surya Deva at sunrise during this period yields immense spiritual benefits. It will strengthen your willpower, improve mental resilience, and generate positive vibrations in your life.
Many traditional rituals are observed during Tula Sankramana. Some of the rituals are mentioned below.
Sacred Kodava Traditions Observed During Tula Sankramana
Kanni Puje (Worship of Goddess Kaveri)
Kanni Puje is performed in every household by married women. During this ritual, Kaveramma is worshiped not as a Deity but symbolically.
During the ritual, they choose a vegetable – typically a cucumber or coconut. Married women are beautifully dressed in a saree; they wrap the coconut or cucumber in a red silk cloth. They adorn it with Pathak, a traditional Kodava jewelry. It is indeed a traditional Kodava Mangalasutra.
Also, they fill the plate with rice, and on it they place betel leaves, areca nuts, glass bangles, and flowers. They keep a small lamp on it and light it and offer their prayers to Kaveri.
On this auspicious day, all the family members pray before the goddess Kaveri, invoking her blessings.
Collection of Sacred Tirtha from Brahma Kundike
The people of Kodava collect the sacred water from Brahma Kundike and preserve it in every home.
They give it to the person who is in a dead bed, as it grants moksha (liberation) to the soul.
Family Members receive blessings from the Elders
Younger family members fall at the feet of the elderly to receive their blessings.
It is also a custom in Kodavas, married women touch the feet of their husbands to receive the blessings. It is a mark of respect given by women to their husbands.
Kodavas Feast on Special Vegetarian Dish
On this special day, Kodavas feast on a strict vegetarian dish. In every household, their menu includes dosa, pumpkin curry (Kumbala curry), and Payasa. They feast together, strengthening family bonds.
Community Worship and Temple Visits
Kodavan community visits Talakaveri or Talacauvery to perform a sacred bath and perform pujas.
Those who cannot visit Talakaveri on the same day can visit nearby places like Bhagamandala, Palur, or Balamuri in the following days.
This festival is a harmonious, beautiful blend of nature worship, ancestral homage, and communal unity, reflecting the Kodava people’s profound spiritual bond with Goddess Kaveri, whom they worship as their kula devata.
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