They hunt fox for good luck

By A. V. Ragunathan

SALEM, JAN. 26. The villagers of the Kottavadi in Vazhapadi taluk near here practice a strange custom-fox hunting. They believe that hunting of fox will bring them good luck. The village youths set the trap for the fox in nearby forest areas and once it is caught, they treat it with all care and affection.

After keeping the fox for a day or two, they set it free into the forest. This is part of the rituals being carried out in the village for ages as part of the Pongal festival celebrations. It is their firm belief that once they set sight on a fox immediately after the Pongal festival, it would bring them enormous good luck.

On the last day of the festival, the youth of the village set out on fox hunting in the foothills of Yercaud. This time, at least seven batches of youngsters fanned out to places like Singipuram, Thimmanacikenpatti, Karungadu, Nayinarpalayam Karadu, Komarasamyur Karadu, Kothumalai Karadu and Vellalapatti.

These groups spread the net in areas where the foxes are believed to be frequenting. However, for eight consecutive days they could not succeed in getting even a single fox, but on the ninth day, the group at Kothumalai Karadu, was fortunate enough to catch a fox.

It was an occasion for celebration, and the jubilant youths with all the fanfare brought the animal to the Sri Chelliamman Temple for the public viewing. Soon after, the fox was let on the grounds, it was fed with milk and then was taken around the temple.

Almost the entire village, 2,400-strong, gathered at the place to have a good look at the fox. Later, the fox was set free. The whole exercise had cost somewhere around Rs. 30,000, out of which Rs. 15,000 was borne by the panchayat union, and the rest by the donors.

The panchayat president, Ms. Kamalam Krishnan, and other leading personalities of the area were present on the occasion. The prime occupation of the Kottavadi village is harvesting betelnuts and betel-leaves. They have an unshaken belief that if they encounter a fox face to face, it is a sign of good omen, and it would bring them prosperity.

Hence, the villagers have been taking part in this age-old practice with great enthusiasm. Unlike the ``jallikattu'', in which ferocious bulls are tamed as part of Pongal celebrations in many places, the fox-hunting at Kottavadi is a harmless pastime which has been in vogue for the common good.

Villagers taking a look at a jackal at Kottavadi panchayat union in Salem.

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