Many a times enthusiasts from other countries visit India to witness these competitions. Here is a link to the video recorded by an Indian clubs enthusiast from the UK, Paul, who is among many who visit different parts of India to learn different styles of Karlakattai and watch such age old feats (link).

But why Naagaa Panchami is relevant for warrior traditions? Naagaa have a few interesting connections with warriors arts ranging from Pauranik to symbolic. The word Naagaa implies the one that is not, not moving i.e. which is always moving. Let’s see some more interesting details:

Pauranik: Naagaa are among the most ancient & most powerful beings. Naagas are the sons & daughters of one of the SaptRishis named Kashyap. Among all the divine beings mentioned in Itihasa such as Yakshas, Garudas etc., Naagaaas are the most ferocious warriors and possess powerful Astras and Siddhis. There are various prominient Naagaaas like Shesha, Vasuki, Takshak, their sister Manasa etc. These Naagaaas were revered across the world when Sanatana civilizations were still breathing. They are still found everywhere but their recognition as ancient reverential beings is limited to Indian subcontinent and native traditions of Americas, Africa etc. In modern times their popular form is as Dragons.

Symbolic: Naagaa are symbolic of Kundalini and Nadi energy channels that run through our spine. The study of Nadi and their Marma centres is important in warrior arts.

The Akharas were not only inspired by the continous warrior tradition but also gave training in traditional warrior arts like Lathi , Khadg/sword, Karlakattai/Mudgar, archery and also in weapons making, planning targets etc.; marching the Dhanurveda ideals to a new territory of rebel. From Wikipedia: "The Anushilan Samiti, emerging in 1902 from a fusion of regional youth groups and gyms (akhara) in Bengal, fervently championed Indian values and indigenous sports like Lathi and Sword play."

Sadly, the political interests during the independence never let this story be told as a coherent resistance that actually yielded independence after the successful Navy mutiny of 1946. But now the sons and daughters of Maa Bharati are reawakening to their traditions and identity, ready to become a warrior for JanmBhumi, Punyabhumi & Dharma. For more on this read the Revolutionaries (book) by Sanjeev Sanyal.

This Mahabharata Kaal was also the time of the greatest of warriors (Pandavas, Satyabhama, Bhishma), finest Akharas (Jarasandha Akhara, Bhima Akhara) and most impactful Gurus of Dhanurveda (Dron, Kripacharya, Bhishma, Parashurama, Hidimba). A rarely discussed Purana text, which is probably the oldest book on physical exercises and training including but not limited to calisthenics (Tarai Padam), dumbbells (Hathe, naal, Karlakattai), Karlakattai, Gada, boxing (Vajramushthi), wrestling, "The Malla Purana" contains the teachings of Sri Krishna as given to a community called as Malla Jyeshthas of Gujarat when he moves to Dwaraka. This community later moved to southern regions and intermingled with Marathas, Chalukyas, Mysore kingdom etc. The text has 18 chapters just like the Shri Bhagwat Gita. The manual contains dietary information, exercise routines for different seasons, types of practitioners and practices specific to them etc. It lists sixteen categories of different exercises out of which at least four are sub-categories of Mei-Padam, two relate to Tarai-Padam and three to Karlakattai/Gada. A more detailed study of this text in the light of Karlakattai practice is underway and we can expect some dedicated articles on that soon.

These beautiful celebrations of our Itihasa many a times struggle to prove their relevance and efficacy in today's fast paced running-but-don't-know-where world. There are also deliberate attacks by different propogandas and some have seeped down in our colonised psyche too deep through "education", the "innocuous" soft-media, movies etc. A Kaavadiya of today is mostly considered an "uncivilized" rural fanatic who is blocking the streets while we are all out for "work". Similar notions are held by many for the loud and crowded processions on Ganesh Chaturthi (Divya, from Karlakutuhal community raises similar concern in her insta post (link)). Many other festivals from our pick like Naaga Panchami, Raksha-bandhan fail the test of "logic", "feminism" and what not by giving some made-up interpretations.

The reason for such notions are due to a disconnect with our identity and not knowing the definitions of education, governance, life etc. A great thinker of current times, Rameshwar Pankaj Mishra, tells that the definition of education as given in our Shastras is to estabilish communication with our wise ancestors (Rishis & paramparas). It is a process of understanding their terminology, getting their framework to understand the world and then go out see everything else based on that. However, currently we understand the world with foreign terminology and then try to fit ourselves in that framework; confused and fascinated with the unknown, we reject our own identity. He further explains the role of governance as the facilitator of the native traditions and ways of living, helping people in their journey to achieve the highest while also setting an example of a dutybound life. Today's governance and education are confusingly aimed at transforming the world and the traditions based on some wild notion of modernisation (which is indeed driven by colonized mind or consumerism). Yes, there is a need to put in work to keep traditions in their truest form, to uphold the Dharma, but it is to be done with a feeling of preserving, encouraging, facilitating and upholding the native traditions, not by obliterating them or replacing them. In our case, the role of governance and society is to look after the infrastructure and resources to make such processions, competitions more delightful for all and still not come in the way of daily life. Much like a sports event, carnivals etc. The role of education is to give expression to these celebrations not to mute them. The role of media is not to crib about and highlight every single negative thing about these events. We must actively be involved in these festivals, spread the positivity to outnumber the negative propoganda articles and talk about these issues with our young ones too. This article is an effort in this direction.

As a practitioner of warrior arts, we can go one step further and make our warrior arts part of the celebrations like they used to be. A display of warrior tradition is a display of strength with Kshatriya Dharma values, the light that leads to the protection, health, and hapiness for all. It is only through this duo that kindness can fill up our hearts.