Kodava Calendar (Kodava Almanac)

The Kodava Calendar is a traditional solar calendar followed by the Kodava community of Kodagu (Coorg), Karnataka. Closely aligned with the movement of the Sun rather than the lunar cycle, it governs the timing of agriculture, festivals, ancestor worship, and seasonal customs. The calendar reflects the intimate relationship between the Kodavas, their land, and the agricultural rhythms of the Western Ghats. 

The Kodava year begins with Edamyar Ond (Edamyar 1), also known as Bisu Changrandi,, which usually falls on 14th or 15th April, coinciding with the Sun’s transition into Mesha (Aries). This is the Kodava New Year and marks the commencement of the agricultural season. On this day, prayers are offered in the fields, cattle are ceremonially yoked, and farmers symbolically  plough their paddy fields, seeking prosperity and a successful harvest for the coming year.

Unlike many Indian calendars that are primarily religious in orientation, the Kodava calendar is deeply rooted in agriculture and seasonal change. Each month corresponds to a specific stage in the cultivation of paddy and coffee, the two crops that have traditionally shaped the economy and lifestyle of Kodagu.

Months of the Kodava Calendar

1. Edamyar (ಎಡಮ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-April to Mid-May

Edamyar marks the beginning of the Kodava New Year. Known as Edamyar Ond or Bisu Changrandi, this month signifies the renewal of agricultural activities after the dry season. Farmers prepare their fields, repair agricultural implements, and invoke blessings for a prosperous farming year.

Important observance

• Bisu Changrandi (Kodava New Year)

2. Kadyar (ಕಾದ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-May to Mid-June

Kadyar is a month of preparation before the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Farmers repair irrigation channels, prepare seedbeds, and complete essential groundwork before the first heavy rains.

3. Aadare (ಆದರೆ)

Approximate Period: Mid-June to Mid-July

With the onset of the monsoon, agricultural work reaches its busiest phase. This period is known for Aipani, the five principal paddy cultivation activities

• Bele uppuve(Ploughing),
• Bithe uduve(Sowing),
• Aand Kethuve (Bund trimming),
• Aage Pani (Picking seedlings) 
• Naati Pani (transplanting)

The success of these operations largely determines the harvest later in the year.

4. Kakkada (ಕಕ್ಕಡ)

Approximate Period: Mid-July to Mid-August

Kakkada is regarded as one of the most culturally significant months in the Kodava calendar. Continuous rainfall and cool weather characterize this period.

The highlight of the month is Kakkada Padinett, observed on the eighteenth day. On this occasion, Kodavas prepare traditional dishes using Madd Thoppu (Justicia wynaadensis), a medicinal herb believed to attain its maximum medicinal potency on this day. Dishes such as Madd Puttu, Madd Payasa, Madd Kool, and Kakkada Koli are prepared and shared among family members.

Traditionally, weddings and other major celebrations are avoided during Kakkada, as the month is regarded as a period of restraint and agricultural commitment.

Important observance

• Kakkada Padinett

5. Chinyaar (ಚಿಂಙಿಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-August to Mid-September

As the monsoon begins to weaken, agricultural work becomes less intensive. The most important festival of this month is Kailpod (Kail Murtha), celebrated in honour of traditional weapons, hunting, and the martial heritage of the Kodavas. Families clean and decorate their firearms and traditional weapons before offering prayers.

Important observance

• Kailpodh (Grand celebrations traditionally culminate on 3 September.) 

6. Kanyar (ಕನ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-September to Mid-October

Kanyar marks the transition from the rainy season towards autumn. Paddy fields begin maturing, and preparations commence for the harvest season.

7. Tholyar (ತುಲ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-October to Mid-November

This month is associated with Kaveri Shankraamana (Kaveri Changrandi), one of the most sacred festivals of Kodagu. It commemorates the annual emergence of the holy waters at Talakaveri, the birthplace of River Kaveri. Families collect the sacred water and perform special prayers at home and in temples.Important observance

• Kaveri Sankramana

8. Birchyar (ಬಿರ್ಚ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-November to Mid-December

Birchyar is the harvest month and is celebrated with Puthari , the Kodava harvest festival. After offering the first sheaves of newly harvested paddy to the family ancestors and deities, families gather for feasting, music, traditional dances, and community celebrations.

Important observance

• Puthari (Harvest Festival)

9. Dalmiyar (ದಲ್ಮ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-December to Mid-January

The Arabica coffee harvest begins during Dalmiyar. Coffee picking becomes the principal agricultural activity across Kodagu.

10. Malyar (ಮಾಲ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-January to Mid-February

The harvesting of Robusta coffee reaches its peak. The season is also associated with drying, processing, and marketing of coffee produce.

11. Kumbyar (ಕುಂಬ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-February to Mid-March

With the completion of coffee harvesting, farmers prepare their land for the coming agricultural cycle. Irrigation channels are repaired and water management activities begin in anticipation of the next monsoon.

12. Minyaar (ಮೀನ್ಯಾರ್)

Approximate Period: Mid-March to Mid-April

Minyaar is the concluding month of the Kodava year. Agricultural activities are comparatively light, allowing communities to prepare for the forthcoming New Year.

In recent decades, Minyaar has also become associated with the internationally renowned Kodava Hockey namme, one of the world’s largest family hockey tournaments, celebrating Kodava sporting heritage and community unity.

Cultural Significance

The Kodava calendar is much more than a method of measuring time. It serves as a cultural guide that determines agricultural practices, seasonal festivals, ancestral rituals, hunting traditions, and community gatherings. Each month reflects the changing landscape of Kodagu and preserves centuries of indigenous ecological knowledge.

Even today, despite the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes, the Kodava calendar continues to govern the observance of traditional festivals such as Bisu Changrandi, Kakkada Padinett, Kailpodh, Kaveri Sankramana, and Puthari, ensuring that Kodava customs remain closely aligned with the natural cycles of the land and the community’s ancestral heritage.