The <\/span>Kodava Calendar<\/b> is a traditional <\/span>solar calendar<\/b> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Kodava year begins with <\/span>Edamyar Ond (Edamyar 1)<\/b>, also known as Bisu Changrandi<\/a>,<\/span>, which usually falls on <\/span>14th or 15th April<\/b>, coinciding with the Sun’s transition into <\/span>Mesha (Aries)<\/b>. 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\u00a0 plough <\/a>their paddy fields, seeking prosperity and a successful harvest for the coming year.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-April to Mid-May<\/span><\/p>\n Edamyar marks the beginning of the Kodava New Year. Known as <\/span>Edamyar Ond<\/b> or <\/span>Bisu Changrandi<\/b>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Important observance<\/b><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-May to Mid-June<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-June to Mid-July<\/span><\/p>\n With the onset of the monsoon, agricultural work reaches its busiest phase. This period is known for <\/span>Aipani<\/b>, the five principal paddy cultivation activities <\/span><\/p>\n The success of these operations largely determines the harvest later in the year.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-July to Mid-August<\/span><\/p>\n Kakkada is regarded as one of the most culturally significant months in the Kodava calendar. Continuous rainfall and cool weather characterize this period.<\/span><\/p>\n The highlight of the month is <\/span>Kakkada Padinett<\/b>, observed on the eighteenth day. On this occasion, Kodavas prepare traditional dishes using <\/span>Madd Thoppu (<\/b>Justicia wynaadensis<\/i><\/b>)<\/b>, a medicinal herb believed to attain its maximum medicinal potency on this day. Dishes such as <\/span>Madd Puttu<\/b>, <\/span>Madd Payasa<\/b>, <\/span>Madd Kool<\/b>, and <\/span>Kakkada Koli<\/b> are prepared and shared among family members.<\/span><\/p>\n Traditionally, weddings and other major celebrations are avoided during Kakkada, as the month is regarded as a period of restraint and agricultural commitment.<\/span><\/p>\n Important observance<\/b><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-August to Mid-September<\/span><\/p>\n As the monsoon begins to weaken, agricultural work becomes less intensive. The most important festival of this month is Kailpod<\/em><\/a><\/span>\u00a0(Kail Murtha)<\/b>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Important observance<\/b><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-September to Mid-October<\/span><\/p>\n Kanyar marks the transition from the rainy season towards autumn. Paddy fields begin maturing, and preparations commence for the harvest season.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-October to Mid-November<\/span><\/p>\n This month is associated with Kaveri Shankraamana<\/em><\/a><\/span>\u00a0(Kaveri Changrandi)<\/b>, one of the most sacred festivals of Kodagu. It commemorates the annual emergence of the holy waters at <\/span>Talakaveri<\/b>, the birthplace of River Kaveri. Families collect the sacred water and perform special prayers at home and in temples.<\/span>Important observance<\/b><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-November to Mid-December<\/span><\/p>\n Birchyar is the harvest month and is celebrated with Puthari<\/em> <\/a><\/span>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Important observance<\/b><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-December to Mid-January<\/span><\/p>\n The Arabica coffee harvest begins during Dalmiyar. Coffee picking becomes the principal agricultural activity across Kodagu.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-January to Mid-February<\/span><\/p>\n The harvesting of Robusta coffee reaches its peak. The season is also associated with drying, processing, and marketing of coffee produce.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-February to Mid-March<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Approximate Period:<\/b> Mid-March to Mid-April<\/span><\/p>\n Minyaar is the concluding month of the Kodava year. Agricultural activities are comparatively light, allowing communities to prepare for the forthcoming New Year.<\/span><\/p>\n In recent decades, Minyaar has also become associated with the internationally renowned Kodava Hockey namme<\/em><\/a><\/span>, one of the world’s largest family hockey tournaments, celebrating Kodava sporting heritage and community unity.<\/span><\/p>\nMonths of the Kodava Calendar<\/b><\/h1>\n
1. Edamyar (\u0c8e\u0ca1\u0cae\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
2. Kadyar (\u0c95\u0cbe\u0ca6\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
3. Aadare (\u0c86\u0ca6\u0cb0\u0cc6)<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
4. Kakkada (\u0c95\u0c95\u0ccd\u0c95\u0ca1)<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
5. Chinyaar (\u0c9a\u0cbf\u0c82\u0c99\u0cbf\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
6. Kanyar (\u0c95\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
7. Tholyar (\u0ca4\u0cc1\u0cb2\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
8. Birchyar (\u0cac\u0cbf\u0cb0\u0ccd\u0c9a\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
9. Dalmiyar (\u0ca6\u0cb2\u0ccd\u0cae\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
10. Malyar (\u0cae\u0cbe\u0cb2\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
11. Kumbyar (\u0c95\u0cc1\u0c82\u0cac\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
12. Minyaar (\u0cae\u0cc0\u0ca8\u0ccd\u0caf\u0cbe\u0cb0\u0ccd)<\/b><\/h2>\n
Cultural Significance<\/b><\/h1>\n