Kulala

Kulala/Moolya/Kumbhara
Regions with significant populations
Languages
Tulu, Kannada
Religion
Hinduism

Kulals are popularly known as Moolyas in South Canara District of Karnataka, Kumbhara at North Karnataka and other parts of Karnataka. This community is widely spread in Mangalore, Udupi and Mumbai. Dakshina Kannada Jilla Moolyara Yane Kulalara Martru Sangha, (Estd 14-12-1927) Old Kent Rd., Mangalore is pioneering for unity within Kulala community. It has a large community hall, named Nasik B H Bangera Hall. and Shree Devi Temple. Shri Veeranarayana temple, in Kulashekhara, Mangalore, Shri Udbhava Roudranatheshwara Temple,Nadubottu, Belthangadi,Kallurti Devashthana,Panolibail, Bantwal,Manila Shri Mahalakshmi Temple, Vittal are also a must visit place for Kulals.

Primarily Kulalas were Pot Makers, agriculturists. Currently Educational facilities have changed the work culture and they are in profession like Medicin, Engineering, Banking, Industries etc. Some Kulals in villages of Mangalore,Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are still involved in pot making,mud idol making work.


Etymology

The word "Moolya" means Moulya in the Kannada language i.e.valuable or precious.It is believed that, Moolya was originated as they were involved in making precious pots also called as "Kumbhas" used by priests (Bhramins) in temples for food offering to lord. Kulala and Kumbhara both are basically Sanskrit words whereas Moolya is Tulu word.

Subgroups and Language

Kulals are scattered in most of the cities and villages of Tulunadu like Mangalore, Bantwal, Surathkal, Puttur, Karkala, Udupi, Vittal etc.As per 1901 census it was recorded that, there were more than 1.5 lakhs Kulals in South Canara district itself. It is also found that there are subgroups such as Odari,Bhandi etc. in Kulals. Tulunadu Kulals are divided into 4 groups as per their native spoken language like Tulu Kumbhars, Kannada Kumbhars, Malayali Kumbhars and Telugu Kumbhars.Among them, population of Tulu Kumbhars/Kulals/Moolyas is maximum compared to others. Malayali Kumbahrs are found in surroundings of Kasargod. There is a group of Telugu Kumbhars staying near Urwa Store, Mangalore.They speak Telugu at home and it is believed that, they migrated from Andhra Pradesh during Krishnadevarayas reign. Kulals from Kundapura region keep "Handa" as their surname as well.

Culture

Kulals follow the Moolasthana system of Tulu lineages (the Bari or Bali system). As with all other Tuluvas, Kulals follow the inheritance system of Aliya Kattu. There are different surnames called as Bari associated with Kulal community such as Bangera, Salian, Gundaran, Banjan, Gujaran, Uppian, Anchan, Karmaran,Arkian etc.Bari has got very importance during marriage and it is ensured that bride and groom are from different baris/surnames. It is also ensured that bari of bride's father and groom's father (call it as puttabari in Tulu) doesn't match.

Snake Worship - Nagaradhane - Relation with Bari System

In Kulals, bari has got importance in Nagaradhane as well.People from each bari has designated place for worshiping snake called as Nagamoola Sthana/Aadi/Nagabana.Each year during Naga Panchami,people from each bari visit their respective Aadi's to offer pooja to naga/snake. There are possibilities of having more than one nagabana/aadi for same bari.

Spirit/Deity Worship - Bhootaradhane/Bhuta Kola - Relation with Bari System

In Kulals,people from same bari are considered as one group called "Kutumba"(Family of people with same bari) Each Kutumba have their designated Bhuta worshiping place where they join together once in a year to worship Bhuta. There can be one or more no of Bhutas such as Kallutti,Kalkuda,Panjurli, Satya Devathe, Mantra Devathe,Pasappe etc. are worshiped at this place called as Bhutada Ill in Tulu.

Marriage Engagement - Nishchaya

The relatives of a man who has attained marriageable age broach the subject of the marriage with a family who have an eligible daughter. Family of both meet either at girls place or at some temples to see girl called as "Ponnu Thupini". If both are agreed, next round of talk called as "Nigant" happens at grooms house where both families discuss about marriage expenses etc. Later on uncles of both bride and groom exchange Thambula (made of beetel leaf called Bachire Bajjei in Tulu) and pledge not to disturb the alliance. When the first round of talk succeed, the engagement ceremony called as "Nishchaya" is fixed on an auspicious day either at brides place or outside hall and ring is exchanged between bride and groom.

The Rituals of Marriage- Madime

In olden days since the marriage takes place either in the homes of bride's family or bride groom's family, a 'chappara'( a raised platform covered with dried palm leaves) is constructed before the house.Later in full traditional splendour 'Muhurtada Kamba' will be planted.Several leaves of the mango tree are stringed together and fethered at the entrance of the house.Finally the wedding platform complete with a 'Mantap' is built. But currently most of the marriages taking place at outside halls.

Mehandi Function

In kulals, on previous day of marriage Mehandi function is conducted at both bride and groom's house. All relatives gather and participate in Mehandi function.

Procession to marriage place - Dibbana

The tradition of going invitees in a group to the place of marriage ceremony is called 'dibbana'.Before proceeding the head of the family accompanied by elders will offer prayers to their presiding deity. After reaching place of marriage ceremony, both bride and grooms family wlcomes each other by exchanging flower,kumkum, perfumes etc. is calles as "Edukonuni".Before entering the hall the feet of the bride is washed with water by groom's sister and 'aarthi' is done.Later the bride steps into the hall by placing her right leg first inside tha hall.Men and women seated in separate places, are provided with juice.After that marriage saree (Dhare Seere in Tulu) is given to bride by grooms mother.

Main stage of Marriage - Muhurtha and Dhare Maipuni

During this ceremony any one from the bride's side carries a 'kanchina gindi, filled in the mouth with fresh nodes of mango and jackfruit tree with a coconut and a coconut palm inflorescence.The elderly member takes it to each member of the audience where everybody touches it and bless the couple.The 'gurikar' next announces 'Dhare Maithd Koronduller' three times before placing the girls hand and grooms hand.After the dhare ceremony the bride and groom participate in pooja rituals performed by priest. This time the bride sits on the left side of the bride groom. Groom ties a Mangalsutra (called as Karimani in Tulu) to brides neck and puts kumkum on her forehead.

Seemantha/Bayake - Baby Shower Ceremony

'Seemantha/Bayake ' is a unique tradition which celebrates a woman's transition to motherhood.On the day of seemantha, women circle around the sacred 'Tulasi Katte' several times and lighting the lamp(deepa) and pray for good wishes.The mother in law presents a silk saree which is generally green colour (Symbol of mother earth),gold, beetlenut and 5 beetle leaves to the mothers and the relatives of the girl are reciprocate by decorating the young mother with 5 different types of flowers,jewellary among others. On this ceremony, the bride is fed with an array of choicest dishes including 7/9/15 types of sweets.After the ceremonial feast the pregnant woman's plantain leaf along with other goodies handed over 'koraga woman'(scheduled tribe woman).The pregnant woman after obtaining the consent of her mother in law leaves for her home.

Child Birth

In olden days,when a Kulal woman begins expressing labour pains, the mid-wives surrounding the mother signal the arrival of the new-born baby by beating plates. As soon as the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut and buried usually in the back yard. After the birth, sugar, banana are distributed to close relatives.

Cleaning Rituals

Five days after the birth of the baby the cleaning ritual begins. A regulistic process of purification of both mother and baby begins. The entire house is cleansed with cow-dung mixed with water and the 'sacred water'(theertha) obtained from temple, is sprinkled is different directions of the house. On this occasion the naming of the baby takes place. On the 16th day the baby is ceremoniously placed in the cradle.

Cradle Ceremony - Thotil Paduni

On this day before placing the baby in the cradle, grandmother's of baby exchange coconut around the cradle (from top of the cradle to bottom side) 3 times. Thereafter baby is also exchanged similarly before placing in cradle.Baby's parents pronounce name of the baby 3 times near baby's ear (Pudar Deepuni in Tulu). In some places small children and women together sing folk-lullaby songs after placing the baby in cradle.While other women start distributing beaten rice, the relatives place money/gifts in the hands of baby.In order to protect the baby from the evil eye, a cow dung along with grass (called as garike panthi in Tulu) is placed in the area which is parallel to the direction,where the child's head rest,in the cradle.For 40 days, the mother is not allowed to perform any grueling work.Meanwhile, the mother if she needs to venture outside the house, is allowed to go along with an escort.On the 40th day the mother mixes turmeric powder in the water and has a 'sacred bath'.This is the final act of cleansing.After her bath she decks herself with jewelry and in a ceremonial function draws water from the well.After pouring 1/4th of the water at the Tulsi katte, the rest of the water is used to wash her legs.Later she goes to a local temple, accompanied by friends and relatives.On this day a special feast with array of dishes will be prepared. From this day on wards the mother takes part in all house hold activities and does not confined herself to bed.

Sending back Baby and Mother to Husband's House - Thotlale Popuni

During this ceremony the mother along with her new born baby pays a visit to her husband's house.In the absence of the mother and the child the cradle should not be removed and cocunut to be kept inside the cradle.

Community Organisations/Associations

There are lot of Kulala Sanghas(organization/association) exist all over Karnataka, Maharashtra( Mumbai, Pune, Nasik ) and Gulf Countries like Qatar, UAE, Bahrain etc. for the welfare of the community.These sanghas have been doing very useful work such as giving scholerships to deserving students, assisting poor and disabled people etc. Kulala Sangha - Old Kent Road, Mangalore, Kulala Bhavana - Mangaladevi, Mangalore, Kulala Mandira - Kolya, Mangalore, Kulala Bhavana -Surathkal, Kulala Sangha -Karkala Kulala Sangha -Mumbai,Kulala Sangha -Nasik,Kulala Sangha -Bangalore,Kulala Sangha, Sangabettu,Siddhakatte etc. are some of the sanghas/associations.

Kulala Mandira, Kolya was established in 1954 at place called "Barde", later on shifted to "Kolya" in 1969 under the leadership of Mr. Poovappa Moolya who is still acting as a Gurikara in Marriage and other auspecious functions in surrounding area.

"Kumbheshwara Vividhodesha Sahakari Cooperative Society", Kolya, Mangalore is one of the cooperative banks operating at Mangalore, having several branches in Mangalore and managed by people belonging to Kulal community.

"Jyothi Cooperative Credit Society Ltd"is one of the leading bank operating in Mumbai with several branches,managed by Kulal Community members.

Religious faiths

Kulal’s are followers of Hindu religion.

Notable Personalities

Mr.M K Seetharama Kulal - Former President of Karnataka Tulu Sahithya Academy (2005 -2008),well known poet,writer. His famous songs are from Tulu film 'Pagetha Puge' i.e."Mokeda Singaari….unthude vayaari…." "Pakkilu mooji onje goodudu…" and "Pagetha Pugenaa…." etc.

Kulal's Food Habbits

Like other Tuluvas Kulals are also basically non vegetarians. Their favourite dishes are Bangude Pulimunchi, Kori Sukka, Kori Gassi,Kori Rotti,Maruvayi Pundi,Semeda Adde, Kottige, Moode, Pathrode, Sarneda Adde,Appa,Neer Dose etc.

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