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‘Kurinji – Nilgiris’ by the famous photojournalist Raghu Joghee

Raghu Joghee from Yedapalli Hatti and is personally known to me. He is simple, humble but a great person. He is actively involved in promoting for Badaga Tribal status along with Ganesh Ramalingam. – Wg Cdr JP

Shared from http://www.behance.net

( KATTAE-HU / KURINJI / STROBILANTHES )

The village of Kattae-bettu, nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India, holds a name deeply intertwined with the natural world and the cultural heritage of the indigenous Badaga community.

The etymology of “Kattaebettu” is derived from “Kattae Hu Bettu,” a phrase that directly

references the unique and ephemeral Strobilanthes kunthiana flower, commonly known as Kurinji or Neelakurinji. This rare bloom, which blankets the hills in a vibrant purplish-blue hue once every twelve years, has profoundly influenced the Badaga people’s traditions, calendar, and sense of place.

The Kurinji Flower and its Significance

The Badaga community, an indigenous group primarily residing in the Nilgiri Hills, the Kurinji flower is more than just a beautiful plant; it is a significant marker of time and a symbol deeply embedded in their cultural fabric. The twelve-year flowering cycle of the Kurinji has historically served as a natural calendar for the Badagas, influencing their agricultural practices, social events, and even their oral traditions.The blooming of the Kurinji signifies a period of renewal and abundance, often associated with specific rituals and celebrations within the community.

Kattaebettu: A Name Rooted in Nature

The name “Kattaebettu” is a testament to this profound connection.”Kattae Hu Bettu” can be broken down to understand its meaning: “Kattae” likely refers to a specific type or characteristic of the flower or its growth, “Hu” means flower in Badaga and other Dravidian languages, and “Bettu” signifies a hill or mound. Therefore, “Kattaebettu” can be interpreted as “the hill of the Kurinji flower” or “the place where the Kurinji flowers bloom.” This naming convention is common among indigenous communities, where geographical features are often named after prominent flora or fauna, reflecting their intimate knowledge and reverence for their environment.

Cultural Influence on the Badaga Community

The influence of the Kurinji flower extends beyond the naming of a village. For the Badaga community, the cyclical blooming of the Kurinji has been integrated into their oral histories, folk songs, and traditional knowledge systems. Elders often recount stories and prophecies linked to the flower’s appearance, and its bloom is sometimes associated with specific agricultural cycles or even significant historical events within the community,