Madikeri, Feb. 7 -- The 83-km "Kodavaame Baalo Padayatra" - a march led by Akhila Kodava Samaja and various members of Kodava community and Kodava-speaking communities - reached Madikeri this morning, after commencing in Kutta on Feb. 2. The march advocates for the Constitutional rights and cultural identity of the Kodava community.

Tens and thousands of people dressed in their traditional Kodava attire from Kodagu and surrounding areas like Mysuru and Bengaluru began arriving in Madikeri in hundreds of vehicles as early as 6 am, with the crowd continuing to swell well into the afternoon.

The main assembly point is Kodava Samaja Mandh near General Thimayya Grounds (Mann's Compound).

The organisers have made comprehensive arrangements f...