MLA Ponnanna inaugurates the event
Each Kodava family was given a chance to form four family teams with two people each to take part in the 12-bore and .22 coconut shooting competition. Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna inaugurated the event on Saturday with a bullseye shot at a coconut with a 12-bore gun.
He said although firearms were used and displayed during Kodava traditional ceremonies, many community members might not fully understand the history of their gun rights, related court proceedings and the struggle to secure them. Codava National Council president NU Nachappa said the Kodava right to possess firearms was not merely about weapons but was integral to the community’s culture, traditions and religious practices. Achievers were felicitated at the closing ceremony, where guests stressed the need to protect and promote Kodavas’ gun rights. Participants across age and gender categories took part, while an air-gun egg-shooting competition also drew an enthusiastic response. Ponnanna urged Kodavas to remember those who had fought for these rights and preserve the exemption secured through their ancestors’ efforts.
A traditional procession by the Alemada family marked the start of the two-day gun festival on Saturday.