Chikkamagaluru
The Sidi festival of Sri Kolhapuradamma was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur across the five villages of Idoor in Chikkamagaluru district, drawing a large gathering of devotees and showcasing rich traditional rituals.
As part of the festivities at Donikhan Sri Kolhapuradamma temple, the sacred Sidi pole and wooden structure were ceremonially purified by village leaders and devotees using water, followed by the application of oil as per tradition. The structure was then taken in a grand procession through the main streets of the village accompanied by various folk art troupes before being brought to the temple premises.
Before the commencement of the main ritual, a specially prepared offering known as “Bana” was brought from the Gowda household in a procession to the temple to pacify and sanctify the Sidi pole. After the rituals, the Sidi festival was formally conducted with prayers and celebrations.
The festival is jointly celebrated by residents of five villages—Kote, Donikhan, Hosamane Badavane, Murumanehalli, and Shankarapura—who continue to uphold this centuries-old tradition with deep reverence. One of the unique features of the festival is that farmers from these villages participate by decorating bullock carts and taking part in a procession through Chikkamagaluru town.
Historically, these five villages were part of a unified community that worshipped the same village deity, Kolhapuradamma. Although administrative boundaries later separated them, the shared tradition of worship has continued without interruption.
Locals describe the festival as a symbol of unity, heritage, and devotion. Cultural programs held during the night and the active participation of villagers make the event especially vibrant and significant each year.
