Category Archives: badaga

Hethe Habba – 23 Dec 2013

Posted on 23/12/2013 | 3 comments

Hethai J

Hethai J2

[photos from Dinamalar -24-12-2013]

Hethe Habba  celebrated at Jakkadha on 23/12/2013

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Wishing you all

a very happy and blissful

Hethe Habba !

May Hethe’s choicest blessings

be showered on all !!

URI HOGI, SIRI BARALI !!!

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Do You?

Posted on 16/12/2013 | Leave a comment

See below the latest response  ‘From the Heart – from Sengamalam  ]

Do you have something to say?… a thought, a feeling , a comment or for that matter anything straight from your heart.

The direction our community is heading towards?
The “MORAY” system that seems to be a hindrance for many marriages to be fixed?
The ‘fight’ over control of YBA?
The UNFAIR treatment still extended to the fairer sex in our community?
The controversy surrounding equality to NATTARU in out hattis?

[Only request is – to follow the secret of  KISS – ‘Keep it SHORT sweety’]

I have added below the contact/comment ‘form’ where you can fill the details and give your thought or feeling …… a free expression. Please keep it short and do not be offensive.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Responses :

From: Sengamalam [ j_senga@yahoo.co.in]

A feeling
Badaga , the innocent soul
Bagaga, the village joy
Badaga, the sweet raga
Badaga, the NA2
Badaga, the badaga dance
Badaga, the best of all……

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A thought

BABU.M [ byangi_babu@yahoo.co.in]
1.MORAY should be liberal to some extend.
2.STRONG & GOOD DEDICATED Leader is to be found.
3.All are BADUGAS nobody should be seperated.
BADUGU KALACHARA THALAIVARU (like DALAI LAMA) is to be found.

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Thank You, Haldorai (Principal Correspondent, New Indian Express)

Posted on 11/12/2013 | Leave a comment

R Haldorai, Principal Correspondent, New Indian Express,
[Kammandu Village, Ketti Post, Nilgiris ] writes :

At the outset, I thank the Badagas of the Blue Mountains for uploading Badaga history without changing the traditional nature of our unique community. I like the word “Ari Gowder-undisputed leader of  Badagas”. We need such kind of  leaders now. This reminds me about unwanted events happened in Young Badaga Association recently. We pray to Hethe Amman through the Badagas of the Blue Mountains to give good leaders like Ari Gowder.

It gives me great pleasure and encouragement to receive such comments from the Principal Correspondent of a National Daily. Thank you very much, Mr.Haldorai for the kind words. As I had explained elsewhere, if this website is able to convey the correct information about the Badagas of the Blue Mountains, then, we have truly achieved our aim. Thanks for all the kind words that give real motivation to do more – Wg Cdr JP

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Ari Gowda, a great Indian, a great Badaga

Posted on 04/12/2013 | Leave a comment

Rao Bahadur H.B.Ari Gowder

Birth anniversary 4th December

Ari Gowder2

Ari Gowder2

For more details about Ari Gowda go here or see Wikipedia

Ari Gauda

Ari Gauda

[ Ref : Hockings, Paul; Christiane Pilot-Raichoor (1992). A Badaga-English Dictionary. Walter de Gruyter. p. 47. ISBN 311012677X, ISBN 978-3-11-012677-8]

Ariya_Gowda_road_1069606fAir Gowder Street in Mambalam, Chennai

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The GIRL CHILD

Posted on 01/12/2013 | Leave a comment

I was watching the programme on ‘Girl Child’ on NDTV. It was about the mind set of Indian men, rather the society. The mind set that is biased against the girl child. Against women.

(Talking about NDTV, I have the pleasure of knowing both Prannoy Roy and his graceful wife Radhika Roy right from the days when Prannoy used to be  hosting ‘The World This Week’, a great weekly serial  on DD. Have met them over dinner both at our place as well as his, along with other charming couples Prakash Karat and Brinda Karat [ CPM leaders] and Kishore Chandra Deo and Preeti [Union Minister for Tribal affairs]).

Though, Badagas, do not have a bias AGAINST girl child as such, the fact remains, that the Badaga men, still, do not consider Badaga women to be EQUALS.

This is greatly due to the fact that daughters are not given equal share of the property. In fact, no share at all. For centuries, this bias carried on making the daughters to be dependent on the ‘mercy’ of the brothers. And, the reason for the brothers not willing to share the property with the sisters, well, you guessed, is due to their wives.

Unfortunately, for these men to have a bias against women, is the result of the fact that many women do not consider others of their own sex, to be equals. Confusing ? Not really. Every mother in law considers the daughter in law to be a step lower.

Every woman hopes that the entire property will come ONLY to her husband and not given to  his sisters.

There have been enough and more Katta Panjayats – Koottu [consisting of mostly men] in both village-hatti level as well as Seemay levels. But mostly these Koottus have  not been successful in ending property disputes. Many have gone on to seek legal remedy – a lengthy process in our country.

Luckily, now that there is a law that gives equal share of the property to both sons and daughters, the importance of these kootus on property, is becoming irrelevant. This law is applicable even to daughters married after 1987(?).

Prannoy Roy concluded in the ‘Girl Child’ programme, “men are the problem and women – the SOLUTION’. True ? Or, is it the other way round?

It is time that we, who consider HETHE as the greatest  Goddess, to ponder about this and change our mindset against girls and daughters!?

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Learn Badaga

Posted on 01/12/2013 | Leave a comment

A couple of days back, I received the following email from a young mother [name withheld] who wrote to say :

 Dear Sir,
 
It gave immense pleasure for me to visit your website. I was always amazed to know about the community and the culture.

I am a Non Badaga and married last Dec to a Badaga from ………..

And Recently on the ….. of this month I gave birth to
a baby. My husband and my in laws want me to learn Badaga  as I have to talk to the baby in Badaga for her to pick up the language.

Please help me learn the language by sending me some day to day conversations .

Thanks in Advance. Best Regards.

My reply :-
Thanks a lot for your email. I am delighted to learn that you find my website[s] interesting and informative.
 
I have given a few ‘lessons’ about LEARN BADAGA in my websites/blogs. ….
 
When you meet any elder, especially your in-laws and hubby’s grand parents, bow your head and say, ‘Kumbidichivi – meaning bless me. They are expected to touch your head and say, “Badhukku” – long live. You will find that any elder Badaga will be thrilled with this gesture as many do not follow this wonderful custom and your day will be made.
 
As a new mother, for about 40 days after delivering a baby, you are a ‘baththya hemmathi’ with some diet and other restrictions.
 
 “Hosa koosuga, ondhu muthu kodu’ – give the new born baby a kiss.
The following have been taken from my earlier posts

Let us learn Badaga

” Ollenge iddiya ? – How are you ?”

‘Suddi saddha ella olliththa ? – (Roughly) ‘ How is everything ? ‘

1. Are you a Badaga ? – Nee ondu Badagana?

2. Yes, I am a Badaga – Ha, Na ondu Badaga

3. What is your name ? – Ninna hesaru aena ?

4. My name is Bhoja – Enna hesaru Bhoja

5. Which is your village ? – Ninna Hatti edu ?

[5a. Amme / Thamma, nee ai hatti ? – Girl/ Boy, which is your village?]

6. My village is Bearhatti – Enna Hatti bandu Bearhatti

7. Whose son/daughter are you ? – Nee dara maathi / hennu ?

8. I am Mela thara (top street) Joghi Gowder’s son / daughter – Na Mela thara Joghi gowdaru maathi / hennu

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Numbers in Badugu /Badaga

1. Ondu (One) 11. Hannondu (Eleven)

2. Eradu (Two) 12. Hanneradu (Twelve)

3. Mooru (Three) 13. Hadimooru (Thirteen)

4. Naakku (Four) 14. Hadanaakku (Fourteen)

5. Iidu (Five) 15. Hadanaidu (Fifteen)

6. Aaru (Six) 16. Hadanaaru (Sixteen)

7. eizhu (Seven) 17. Hadarizhu (Seventeen)

8. Eattu (Eight) 18. Hadarettu (Eighteen)

9. Ombathu ( Nine) 19. Hathombathu (Nineteen)

10. Hathu (Ten) 20. Eipathu (Twenty)

30. Moovathu (Thirty) 40. Nalavathu (Forty)

50. Iivathu (Fifty) 60. Aravathu (Sixty)

70. Elavathu (Seventy) 80. Embathu ( Eighty)

90. Thombathu (Ninrty) 100. Nooru (Hundred)

Days In Badugu/Badaga

1. Aadivaara (Sunday)

2. Sovaara (Monday)

3. Mangavaara ( Tuesday)

4. Bodavaara (Wednesday)

5. Chikkavaara (Thursday)

6. Bellie (Friday)

7. Sani (Saturday)

Months In Badugu/Badaga

It is said that Badaga month usually, starts on every 10th of the English month. Like for example the first Badaga month Koodalu  starts on 10th January.

1. Koodalu (Jan)

2. Aalaani (Feb)

3. Nallaani (Mar)

4. Aani ( Apr)

5. Aadire (May)

6.Aadi (Peraadi) (Jun)

7.Aavaani (Jul)

8.Perattadi (Aug)

9. Dodda Deevige (Sep)

10. Kiru Deevige (Oct)

11. Thai (Nov)

12. Hemmaatti (Dec)

Pleasantly surprised to hear all the Badaga Months being mentioned in this song called ‘Kappu Huttileyu’ . See the widget on the right and click to listen to this great dance number

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Hindu-Arabic numeral Badaga and pronunciation
1 ஒந்து   (Ondu)
2 எரடு (Eradu)
3 மூறு (Mooru)
4 நாக்கு  (Naaakkuu)
5 ஐது (aidhu)
6 ஆறு (aaru))
7 எழ்ழு (ézhu)
8 எட்டு (ettu)
9 ஒம்பத்து  (Ompathu)

Certain peculiarities of Badaga .

Haalu [haa – as in hospital and lu – as in Zulu] means milk

Hallu [ ha- as hurt and llu – as in loo] means tooth [teeth]. note – there is no plural term.
Haasu – spread [the bedding], Haasike – bedding
Hasu – hunger

Maana – Pride, Mana – heart

Kaanu – see, Kannu – eye[s] (example – Doctor-a Kaanu, kanna pathi hegina – See the Doctor, he will tell about the eyes]

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Peculiar Words

There are some words in Badaga that are truly peculiar. for example :

1. GIJI GIJI ( as in Give & Jinx) – Confusion , mess up / disorderly

GIJI GIJI maada beda – Don’t create confusion

Room aekka ethe GIJI GIJI (ya) hadadhe ? – Why is this room in such a mess?

2. MURUKKU(LU) (Mu ru ku) – Foul mood / mild anger

Amme Ekka maathaduvadu elle ? – Why is sister not talking ?

Ava murukkindu endhave – She is in a foul mood

3. BADAYI (Ba daa ee ) – Show Off (proud)

Appara badayi maadiya – She shows off a lot

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Birds (Hakkilu)

  1. Haddu (Eagle)
  2. Kakke (Crow)
  3. Soray (Dove)
  4. Kili (Parrot)
  5. Emme Hakkilu
  6. Bikkola
  7. Karia(n)chitta (Black bird)
  8. Gubbachi (Sparrow)
  9. Mayilu (Peacock)
  10. Koi (Poultry hen/cock)
  11. Kaadu Koi (Wild hen)
  12. Baathu(koi) – Duck

Mari (chic) –{Koi Mari – chic(ken)}

Also for calf [ for eg) Nei mari – puppy dog]

Animals

  1. Aanay (Elephant)
  2. Kaade -Kaadu Emme – (Bison)
  3. Ottaga (Camel)
  4. Kudire (Horse)
  5. Kaththe (Donkey)
  6. Dana (Cow)
  7. Emme (Buffalo)
  8. Yethu (Bull)
  9. Karu (Calf)
  10. Huli (Tiger)
  11. Singa (Lion)
  12. Siruthe (Panther)
  13. Karadi (Bear)
  14. Maanu (Deer)
  15. Pulli Maanu (Spotted Dear)
  16. Kadamay (Sambar)
  17. Handi (Black Pig)
  18. Kaadandi – kaadu handi – (Wild Pig)
  19. Mullandi – Mullu Handi – (Porcupine)
  20. Seeme Handi (White Pig)
  21. Koda, Korangu (Monkey)
  22. Mola (Rabbit)
  23. Nari (Fox)
  24. Nei (Dog)
  25. Koththi (Cat)
  26. Eli (Rat)
  27. Aame (Turtle)
  28. Nalli (Crab)
  29. Halli (
  30. Haavu (Snake)
  31. Kappe (Frog)
  32. Meenu (Fish)

Insects

  1. Hoo (general for insect)
  2. Nona (Fly)
  3. Selandhi (Spider)
  4. Kunni (Bee)
  5. Eruppu (Ant)
  6. Kosu (Mosquito)
  7. Bendu (Moth/Butterfly)

Anatomy

  1. Mande (Head) – also refers to Hair though there is specific word – Orama
  2. Heddakku (Back of the skull) – usually Badagas have a long heddakku as they donot use cradles. The reason for not using cradles for babies is a story by itself. It is due to the fact that when they left Mysore to escape from the King (Thipu Sultan ?) in the night in a hurry, they had forgotten the baby which was sleeping in the cradle,each thinking that the other person wiould pick up the child.
  3. Moole (Brain)
  4. Nethi (Forehead)
  5. Kenni (Cheeks)
  6. Kannu [eye(s)]
  7. Kivi (Ear)
  8. Mookku (Nose)
  9. Bae (Mouth)
  10. Thudi (lip)
  11. Hallu (Teeth)
  12. Naalenge (Tongue)
  13. Dhaade ( Chin)
  14. Thonde (Throat)
  15. Gaththu (Neck)
  16. Maaru – Nenju – (chest)
  17. Mole (Breast)
  18. Hiththalu – Bennu – (Shoulder)
  19. Kai (Hands)
  20. Mutti (Elbow – also for knee)
  21. Beralu (Fingers)
  22. Hebbatte – Katte (beralu) – [Thumb]
  23. Ugilu (Nails)
  24. Hotte (Stomach)
  25. Mollu Kudi (Naval)
  26. Nadu (Hip)
  27. Pitti (Buttocks)
  28. Thode (Thigh)
  29. Monakkaalu (Knee)
  30. Kaalu (Leg)
  31. Midi (Heel)
  32. Angalu (Foot)

COLOURS (BANNA)

1.Kappu – Black
2.BeLLay – White
3. Keppu (Kechay) – Red
4. Pachchay – Green
5. Neela – Blue
6. Arichina (Manja) – Yellow

Also see http://badaga-language.blogspot.in/

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How do I thank you ?

Posted on 29/11/2013 | 1 comment

Our website http://www.badaga.co gets about 150 visits every day. The maximum visits, quite a few months ago,on a single day, was 375.

But imagine the pleasant shock of getting 510 hits! That happened on 25-11-2013 [see the stats below].

I am humbled and grateful to each and everyone of you for the encouragement and motivation.

How do I thank you?

Wing Commander Bellie Jayaprakash

For WP

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‘…aappadhu ella aagindu hogali…’

Posted on 20/11/2013 | 1 comment

Have you ever been in such  a hopeless situation when you feel totally helpless and resign to the idea that ‘aappadhu ella aagindu hogali- whatever happens, let it happen’?

Like you are travelling to  Coimbatore to catch a flight, but stuck in a traffic jam near Burliyar or going in the mountain train from Mettupalayam to Ooty but the Engine has oil leak problem and stopped at Hilgrove station??

Or, like in my case, cut off ‘from the [internet] world, because the BSNL telephone connection has gone completely dead for days on end and the Coonoor BSNL can only express their inability [or inefficiency] saying their UG cable has been cut by the contractor while using the JCB for water pipe laying???

And you want to know the latest position and progress about when, if at all, the landline will come out of the death bed. Dial 198. The automatic and interactive complaint booking/status, with so many ‘press 1 for confirmation’, can,  after a frustrating delay, give you the ICE COLD standard reply, ‘the complaint has been already received and the WORK IS UNDER PROGRESS’.

You can’t even scream and let the steam out once you realise that the female on the other end is, well, just a voice from the answering machine.

Well, as I said before, when it becomes inevitable, better to lie low instead of letting the BP go up.

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Interesting titbits about Badaga

Posted on 13/11/2013 | 1 comment

Badaga Inspiration

https://i0.wp.com/e.amritapuri.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/ashramdiary.jpg

[Badaga Inspiration]

I love watching the Badaga dance in Coimabatore. Two years back when Amma last was here, and again during Amma’s 53rd birthday celebrations in Amritapuri, they also enchanted the crowd – inspiring westerners, students, and Ashramites to join in . The same happened again this year. Young and old, men and women. Their rhythmic movements, graceful flowing hands and bodies, the beating of drums and call and response voices calls to the dancer inside us. It’s so primal, so natural, and so beautiful.

One wonders how long these people have been dancing like this – how far back in time? How wonderful that India has been able to preserve these timeless traditions.

For a while, I was content just taking photos, or watching from the sidelines – focusing on their movements. But I found my inner self wanting to join in. I stood there – conflicted – trying to overcome my inhibitions – people would look at me – a westerner in white awkwardly throwing his body around. But then some westerners did join in, the Badaga happy to show them the movements even as they were ‘throwing a wrench’ into the coordinated movements of those already dancing.

Still, I stood by the sidelines. Then, at the end of the first night, as Darshan ended, and the Badaga still playing, Amma Herself stood up to leave the stage – and made a full circle – turning round with the beat, no inhibition, no concerns. Just dancing…..

The next day, I knew the Badaga would be there again. Would I join in?

Around 2am, they were singing and dancing again. Again, I stood by the sidelines, thinking about how Amma was so natural, innocent when She danced. I recalled how Amma says it’s just not enough to stand at the shore of the ocean and just get your feet wet. You have to dive in. I recalled how I overcame my fears when I used to go firewalking (walking on hot coals) – I would stand there trying to convince myself that it would be fine. It just takes a leap of faith…

In a moment of surrender, I joined the line. I found myself behind a Badaga man who was more than happy to call out the movements and changes as we made our way around the circle. I loved it. At times, it was awkward, but once I got the jist of it, it seemed so natural, so beautiful. When we were in synch -hands, legs, arms, – it was so nice – like a huge drum circle when they reach that magical moment when all the drummers are connected and the music just flows. So did our bodies-around and around, faster and faster.

I can’t wait till the next time..

Sri Pati, USA Coimbatore, 23 January 2007

[ to read more titbits about Badagas, click here or here]

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Hethe Habba

Posted on 04/11/2013 | Leave a comment

HH

The next

HETHE HABBA

is on the

23rd December, 2013 [Monday]

Dec 13

‘HETHAI HABBA’ is the biggest festival of Badagas!

Hethe Habba is always on the first MONDAY (SOVARA), the most sacred day for Badagas, after the full moon (paurnami – HUNNAWAY ) that falls in Badaga Hemmatti month, (Tamil – Margazhi month), that is the 9th day after eight days of ‘Kolu’. This year [2013] the Hethe Habba was celebrated on 8 Jan 2007 will be celebrated on 27 Dec 2010   will be celebrated on 31 Dec 2012 23 Dec 2013.

Hethe Amma, the purest one, in your blessings lie our well being !
Madekke mannoondha aaleyu, adhu thirigi mannoo aagha
[Even though a pot has been made out of clay, it cannot become clay again]
Thuppa benne endha aaleyu, adhu thirigi benne aagha
[Clarified butter (nei in Tamil), though made out of butter, cannot become butter again]
Jenu hoo endha aaleyu, adhu thirigi hoo aagha,
[Honey, that comes from flowers, cannot become flowers again]
Holladha vakka Hethe Mane ga hodha maele, thirigi holladhavakka aagharu
[After going to Hethai Temple, ‘bad’ people cannot remain bad]

Read more about Hethe Habba here

To read the ‘history of HETHE ’ Click here

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