Madikeri: Every nation and region has its own culture and there is a need to protect and strive for its growth, opined Minister for Women and Child Welfare Umashree while inaugurating the Kodava folk cultural festival “Kodava Samskrithika Namme” on January 14.

The festival jointly organised by the General Thimmaiah Public School and Kodava Sahitya Academy started in the morning with Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richard Vincent D’Souza hoisting the flag and followed by “DudiKotti” ( beating the drums) programme.

Speaking at the inaugural after lighting the lamp, Minister Umashree said each region had its own culture with different lifestyle, food habits, attires and Kodava culture stood apart. She lauded the efforts of the community in retaining the essence of culture in the modern era and called on the community members to protect and work towards its growth.

Kodava Sahitya Academy President Biddathanda S Thammiah listed the measures taken by the academy to promote the culture by conducting debates, literary meets and “aat pat padipu” programmes and gave an account of encouraging community members through rewards and support materials.

General Thimmaiah Public School President Konganda Thimmaiah appreciated the efforts put in by Kodava Sahitya Academy in promoting the Kodava culture.

Minister Umashree was felicitated in the traditional Kodava manner during the ceremony.

Children from General Thimmaiah School performed Bolakat, Ummathat, Kolat, Bolokat, Kodavapat, Valagathat, Parekali and drama to display the diversity and richness of regional culture.

The audience was spellbound by the Ummathat performance from “Swastha” special school children who danced following the instructions from Kodava Sahitya Academy member Madetira Belliappa Thimmiah, convener of the event.