The term gorava refers to men and women belonging to the Kuruba community who have taken a special vow and dress in the traditional overcoat and headgear, and beat a damroo shouting "Elukoti.. Elukoti. Elukoti.", meaning seven crores - the number of Goravas Mailara, armed with a bow and arrows, took to battle against a demon, Mallasura and his brother. They also dance in ritualistic warrior-like dance called the Goravara Kunitha, which involves use of a small dollu in one hand and a flute in other. Goravas wear a headgear made of bear hair.
It is customary in most villages of Karnataka to bring young children in front of the Goravas to get their blessing and to allay the fears of children.
References edit
- Staff Correspondent (2 February 2010). "Mylara jatra attracts 10 lakh devotees on penultimate day". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
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