Kundum

Kundum is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by communities along the Konkan coast of India, especially in coastal Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts) and parts of northern Kerala. Observances vary by village and language group (Konkani- and Tulu-speaking communities), but the festival generally occurs after the monsoon season when crops begin to be harvested, with dates adjusted to local agricultural calendars.

During Kundum, households undertake cleaning and decoration, and families adorn entrances with symbols, rangoli designs, and lamps. Women typically take a leading role in preparing festive foods, arranging offerings for household deities and ancestors, and singing or reciting traditional verses. Public and temple spaces host community gatherings that may include processions, music, and dance. Communities may also hold fairs, share meals, and distribute sweets and gifts to neighbors and guests.

The festival emphasizes gratitude for harvest, prosperity, and social harmony. It is a time for families to come together, preserve local language and customs, and reinforce community bonds. While the core themes remain similar, specific rituals, dishes, and timing differ from one village to another, reflecting the region’s linguistic and cultural diversity. In some areas, Kundum is linked to other seasonal observances and temple rituals, and it is regarded as a marker of the agricultural cycle in the coastal belt.