And Now A "Kannada Marriage" In Belagavi

As a first reaction after going through the heading, you may wonder as to what you mean by a "Kannada Marriage". You might have heard enough of the Kannada tradition and culture, Queens, Kings, and dynasties, the pathetic plight of Kannadigas on the border areas of adjoining states, border disputes, anthem, flag, name boards etc just to recall a few issues in connection. Yes, a Kannada marriage is being heard for the first ever time!

A brainchild of Kannadiga Deepak Mungarwadi: The Kannada marriage concept is a brainchild of Deepak Mungarwadi of Belagavi. He is already well known for his pro-Kannada activities in the border city and through his "Rayanna Instagram page". He married Rajeshwari, a Kannadati in the K. H Patil kalyan mantap at Autonagar in Belagavi city recently. Even their nuptial rings bore the names of Kannadiga and Kannadati.

Kannada conference look: For an onlooker the marriage hall gave the impression of a Kannada convention being in progress. As Ashok Chandargi, a staunch Kannada protagonist of the place popular for Kunda sweets puts it-"The whole choultry has been transformed into a beehive of Kannada activities. The statues of Rani Chennamma of Kittur, Sangolli Rayanna, Belawadi Mallamma and Lord Basaveshwara welcomed the guests at the beginning of the building...

...A model to activists: The whole atmosphere was surcharged with the Kannada festive fervour. It was very difficult to make out that the event had no connection with any Kannada literary festival but only happened to be a marriage. Right from the entrance of the hall and up to the stage the walls were adorned with boards meant to arouse a pro-Kannada feeling. It was not only a nice experience to be part of but also a role model feat for all activists of Kannada".

Attending such a marriage for the first time: Sri Chandrasekhar Shivacharya Swamiji of the Hukkeri Hiremath appeared thrilled enough to be an eyewitness of the spectacle, hitherto unheard of anywhere. Giving blessings to the newlywed couple he showered praises for the unusual initiative. He admitted candidly-"I might have attended any number of Kannada-related meetings, functions and conferences but this is the first time that I am lucky enough to be part of a new beginning of the Kannada marriages".

Determination to avenge the insult: Deepak Mungarwadi, the bridegroom and the brain behind the first-ever Kannada marriage was more than happy at the tremendous response he got from the well-wishers and media persons. He recalled-"I always felt very bad whenever I came across incidents humiliating Kannada. It was my sheer determination to avenge the insult that made me strong enough to fight back. I speak only in Kannada and do business with only those who speak Kannada".

Spouse also holds Kannada in high esteem: Rajeshwari Deepak Mungarwadi is no less committed to espousing the cause of Kannada. She gives full marks to her hubby in solemnising their marriage in a unique, special and memorable event not only for themselves but for all those lucky enough to be an eyewitness for the first Kannada marriage.

Inputs courtesy: Anil Potdar

-Manohar Yadavatti

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