In the heart of Kodagu, a land synonymous with coffee, a unique festival emerged this year as part of the Madikeri Dasara celebrations — the much-anticipated Coffee Dasara. Held on October 6 and 7 at the Gandhi Maidan in Madikeri, the event aimed to showcase the rich coffee culture of the region and promote its significance to both locals and visitors.
As the gentle mist of the Western Ghats enveloped the town, Madikeri came alive with a celebration that was not just about coffee but a blend of culture, tradition, and innovation. For years, Dasara in Kodagu has attracted thousands, with its grand processions and cultural festivities, but this year, the spotlight shone on the region’s mainstay — coffee.
What is Coffee Dasara?
The Coffee Dasara, a first-of-its-kind event, was introduced as a new dimension to the historical Madikeri Dasara, which is second only to Mysore Dasara in grandeur. While Yuva Dasara have been celebrated in the past, Coffee Dasara was designed to celebrate Kodagu’s primary agricultural crop, coffee, which has for generations supported the local economy and shaped its cultural identity.
Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda spearheaded the initiative, aiming to not only promote Kodagu as a tourist hub but also raise awareness about the agricultural practices tied to coffee production. “This event is an innovation, showcasing not only coffee but also the diverse agricultural crops that thrive in Kodagu’s fertile lands,” Gowda remarked during the preliminary meeting, stressing the importance of educating the public and farmers alike.
The Coffee Festivities
32 stalls were set up at Gandhi Maidan, featuring a variety of displays and information points about coffee cultivation, alternative farming methods, and agricultural technology. Exhibitors included local coffee growers, representatives from the Coffee Board, and members of the Karnataka Planters Association and the Kodagu Planters Association. Alongside coffee, the stalls also showcased bamboo farming, dairy farming, and apiculture (the rearing of honeybees), providing visitors with a comprehensive look at sustainable agriculture in the region.
Visitors were treated to coffee-tasting sessions, workshops on coffee processing, and demonstrations of modern agricultural machinery. Experts from the Horticultural Research Centre of Chettalli and the Departments of Horticulture, Agriculture, and Fisheries shared their knowledge on innovations in the coffee industry, with a special focus on high-risk pregnancies and the use of technology to aid small-scale farmers. The seminar on coffee and agriculture, held as part of the inauguration, was one of the event’s highlights, drawing in large crowds of coffee growers eager to learn about the latest advancements in the industry.
The Challenges and Opportunities
While the event was met with enthusiasm, Coffee Dasara also highlighted the challenges facing coffee farmers in Kodagu. With climate change impacting coffee yields and global prices fluctuating, local farmers were keen to explore innovative solutions and alternative farming practices. The event provided a platform for experts to discuss sustainable farming techniques, which many believe is crucial for the future of coffee production in the region.
Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, who inaugurated the festival, emphasised the importance of supporting Kodagu’s farmers and ensuring that events like Coffee Dasara not only celebrate the culture but also equip the farming community with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
A Cultural and Economic Boost
Madikeri Dasara, with its 300-year-old legacy, has always been a festival of great significance, but Coffee Dasara added a new layer to the celebrations this year. By incorporating coffee into the mix, the event not only celebrated Kodagu’s agricultural heritage but also brought attention to the economic importance of coffee to the region. The festival attracted tourists, coffee enthusiasts, and agricultural experts, providing a boost to the local economy.
In addition to the coffee-centric stalls, the cultural programs that took place during the Coffee Dasara provided visitors with a taste of Kodagu’s rich traditions. Traditional music, dance performances, and theatre added to the festive atmosphere, blending seamlessly with the coffee-focused seminars and workshops.
Looking Forward: Coffee Dasara’s Future
The success of this year’s Coffee Dasara has sparked conversations about making it an annual event. With the support of local government and coffee associations, there are hopes that the festival will grow into a major attraction, not just for coffee lovers but also for those interested in sustainable farming and agricultural innovation.
Coffee Dasara 2024 was more than just a festival; it was a celebration of Kodagu’s past, present, and future — all rooted in the fertile soil that has sustained its people for generations.
