Farmers celebrated Makar Sankranti with traditional fire rituals for cattle, showcasing faith, culture, and agrarian heritage in Holalu.
Holalu
Makar Sankranti, one of the most significant festivals for the farming community, was celebrated with traditional fervour and cultural pride in Holalu village of Mandya taluk. As part of the age-old customs associated with the harvest festival, farmers performed the ritual of ‘Kichchu Haayisuva’, where cattle are symbolically passed through fire as an expression of gratitude, faith, and hope for prosperity.
The celebrations were held at the entrance of Holalu village, near the temple of Sri Tandeshwaraswamy, which serves as a spiritual centre for the local community. The ritual began with special prayers offered by the chief priest of the temple, Manjunath Dikshit. He performed a ceremonial puja to the revered village bull, known as Doddaiyaswamy Basava, seeking divine blessings for the welfare of the villagers, their cattle, and agricultural prosperity.
Following the puja, sugarcane leaves arranged in a traditional manner were set ablaze, and the sacred fire was symbolically offered as part of the ritual. The act of passing cattle through the fire is believed to ward off evil, protect livestock from diseases, and ensure good health and productivity in the coming agricultural season. This practice, deeply rooted in rural tradition, reflects the strong bond between farmers and their cattle, which are considered an integral part of agrarian life.
Village leaders, elders, and farmers actively participated in the celebrations, bringing their own cattle to take part in the ritual. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, joy, and collective enthusiasm as families gathered to witness and participate in the event. Traditional chants, prayers, and greetings marked the occasion, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared cultural identity among the villagers.
The Sankranti celebrations also served as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional customs that have been passed down through generations. Elders highlighted that such rituals not only strengthen cultural values but also instil respect for nature, animals, and agriculture among younger generations.
The event concluded peacefully with farmers exchanging greetings and festive wishes, reaffirming their hope for a bountiful harvest season ahead. The celebration in Holalu stood as a vibrant example of rural Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of its farming community.
