This is an extract from the Paddana of Koti-Chennaya, a long epic that is popular in Tulunadu. It tells the story of twin heroes Koti and Chennaya, describing their heroic deeds, and finally their deification as daivas (local gods). Selected portions of Koti-Chennaya are sung in different contexts: a) while performing “Agelu Seve” at the shrines of Koti-Chennaya, b) during ritual performances, specifically the annual festival in front of the shrines (Baidarle Nema), c) while tapping toddy from palm trees, d) while transplanting paddy seedlings, d) in the wedding ceremony during the traditional decoration with colors (Madarangi), e) in a satirical theatrical performance called the Purusha Dance, f) during a marriage or funeral ceremony, g) while peeling dry areca nuts, and f) during leisure time for the purpose of relaxation. However, the major portions of the epic are performed during the Baidarle Kola, the ritual performance with Koti and Chennaya as mythical heroes.

“O Bele” is a work song, of the Kabita genre in the Tulu speaking areas of Karnataka. The singing of “O Bele” is led by one woman, who sings each line of the song and is accompanied by the rest of the chorus. This process continues with different lines, depending on the amount of work to be done in the paddy fields. Kabitas vary thematically, but most are not complete narratives; rather, they are built around small incidents and are loosely structured. “O Bele” tells the story of a landlord who sends his worker to procure labor. He exchanges women for liquor and finds his wife expecting twins, who were suspected to be fathered by the landlord.

This is an asaare song, a rice planting song sung in June, when the men are ploughing and the women are transplanting the seedlings from the nursery fields. Damai musicians sit along the water-retaining dykes of the paddy fields, playing their panchai baajaa instruments and singing. The lyrics are very light-hearted and comical, with many innuendos to help ease the pain of hard labor in the heat and heavy rain.\nInstruments: panchai baajaa