Nayak family members take out Goddess Tulajabhavani procession as part of Ayudha Puja
Gadag : Nayak family of Gajendragad Lambani Tanda celebrated Ayudha Puja on Tuesday in the presence of over 400 family members. “Around 200 years ago, our ancestors had consecrated a silver idol of Goddess Tuljabhavani. On the auspicious occasion of Ayudha Puja, elders from all 21 families, along with their children and grandchildren gather under one roof at our ‘Mede Ghar’ (ancestral home). He further said, “Our ancestors followed the path of justice and righteousness, stood by the people of the tanda through their joys and sorrows, and served as a guiding light of dharma for about 10 neighbouring villages. “About 5-6 years ago, a practice was introduced where the modest offerings were distributed among family members facing difficulties and those from economically weaker backgrounds, to help them tide over their hardships.
As a result, today’s 21 descended families from Bhojanayak and his brothers Ramanayak, Bhimanayak, and Govindanayak, have grown into a mighty family tree.
Limbanna Rathod, the current family elder is a retired teacher, told TOI that though their surname is Rathod, they are fondly called ‘Nayak’ since the family has a rich history spanning centuries. The family has been celebrating the festival before Tulajabhavani, the family deity, for a century. Branch families reside in Tumakuru, Hubballi and other villages of Gadag. However, the family comes together for Ayudha Puja every year. The honour and pride is rooted in our land, culture and blood have been passed down through generations. Dasara is a grand festival of joy and celebration for the banjara community. For our family, this festival is a sacred occasion that brings the entire family together and strengthens our family bond. As per memory, our grandfather Shankarnayak was holding this event. In the next generation, our uncle Bhojanayak gave a systematic touch to the tradition. Though generations have changed, the thought that we continue to move forward together under their sacred legacy fills our hearts with pride. Chandru Rathod, a guest lecturer in Naregal, and grandson of Bhojanayak, asserted that the tradition handed down by our elders is not confined merely to worship and follow rituals. It carries a profound message of humanity. Those who receive this assistance return the amount by contributing whatever they can, before next Dasara. This bridge of mutual trust has now grown into a reserve fund,” he shared.
Even today, the society accords us respect when we introduce ourselves as his descendants.