Shower of verbal abuses mark unique festival

Madikeri, Karnataka, May 26 : The sleepy hamlet of Devarapura virtually turned into a breeding place for vulgar remarks and verbal abuses, as the local tribes celebrated the unique and boisterous Bodu festival of South Kodagu.

Dressed in innovative and colourful attires, with the dress materials ranging from leaves, barks to some strange things, the tribals from all over Kodagu enthralled the crowds gathered to witness the fest yesterday.

The uniqueness of the festival was that the celebrants do not exchange pleasantries and wishes as is the general practice, but only verbal abuses. The tribals shower anyone they see on the day with vulgar remarks and abuses and mock onlookers. The inebriated tribals do not even spare the Gods during the festival, which has religious significance connecting Lord Aiyappa.

However, the tribals take the scoldings in their stride during the fest, raising their decibel levels and enthusiasm.

UNI