Colours, rituals mark Banjara Holi at Bahadur Bandi

Koppal: The annual Hathiram Baba festival, coupled with the Banjara Holi celebrations, was marked by colours, cultural event and calls for community welfare at Bahadur Bandi village in Koppal taluk on Monday night.The event, organised by local Banjara leaders and residents of the village, drew a large turnout of community members, public representatives and visitors, turning the historic hamlet into a vibrant hub of tradition and festivities.The celebrations began with special prayers and rituals at the sacred site associated with Hathiram Baba's penance. Religious heads and community elders performed ceremonies, seeking peace, prosperity and collective well-being. As the dusk set in, the spiritual ambience gave way to festivities, with the village reverberating to the beats of traditional music.Men, women and children dressed in colourful Banjara attire joined in folk dances and the playful exchange of colours, transforming the occasion into what many described as a grand reunion of the Lambani community. The annual gathering is widely seen as an opportunity for Banjaras from surrounding regions to reconnect with their roots and showcase their cultural heritage.Addressing the gathering, Koppal MLA Raghavendra Hitnal said the festival symbolised unity and cultural pride. He noted that such events strengthen communal harmony and play a crucial role in preserving the distinct traditions of the Banjara community.MLC Hemalatha Nayak, JD(S) state core committee member CV Chandrasekhar, BJP state core committee member Dr Basavaraj Kyavater and former MP Umesh Jadhav also spoke on the occasion. They highlighted the challenges faced by the community and urged the authorities to address long-pending issues related to reservation benefits and welfare measures.The evening concluded with more cultural performances, reflecting the enduring spirit and identity of the Banjara community in the region.