Hethey Habba

Hethey Habba is one of the most important Festivals (Habbas) of Badagas. Usually it is celebrated in the last week of December/first week of January every year.

Under the Porangadu Seemay, Hubbathalai Villages (there are two of them known as Dodda (Peria) Hubbathalai and Kunna (Chinna) Hubbathalai, aslo known as Htti & Ooru), the friday before the festival day (always a Monday), is second most important.

This friday is called HANA KATTOVA (payment of money) Jena (day). The complete village joins together around the Suththukallu (the holy triangular stone under the Bikkey (Olive) Mora (tree), where a ceremonial pooja is done along with the Hethey Dhadi (Staff) kept at the altar. A few of the villagers go to Kerban Hethey Temple by walk dressed in spotless white shirt, Dhoti and turban (Mandarey). They are known as Dhadi Kararu.

This year, 2023, inspite of inclement weather, the day was celebrated with religious fervour and joy.