Mangalore: Atidonji Koota at Pilikula Nisargadhama displays splendour of Tulunadu

Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 13 Aug 2014:  The Aatidonji Koota – distinct celebration of Tulunadu during peak monsoon season, organized by the Dr Shivaram Karant Biological Park at Pilikula, here on Tuesday August 12, enlivened the splendour of glorious celebrations by erstwhile Guttinamane household of rich zamindars.
 
There was the natural aroma of Aati delicacies in the air, the antiquities of bygone agrarian society transpired one back to golden days of past.   The folk-arts and traditional chess – Chennemane was cherished by the elderly to reminiscence their childhood days.  
 
Traditional mouth watering dishes of nearly 21 varieties were presented which tickled the taste buds of the present.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shivaram Karant Biological Park – Heritage Village chairman Professor B A Vivek Rai, said, ‘It is appreciable that Guttina Mane is trying to keep the tradition of Tulunadu by organising Aatidonji Dina’, said Professor Vivek Rai.
 
Speaking about the month of Aati, Professor Vivek said, ‘Aati was peak monsoon season, when venturing out was difficult due to incessant rains in Tulunadu.  The people used to get sick and in order to develop immunity to toil in the paddy fields, they used to prepare nutritional foods, delicious dishes from leafy vegetables that are found in abundance in their households,’ said Professor Vivek.   

 

 

 
The eminent writer and scholar Dr Arya Lakshminarayan Alva referring to the nuclear families and the effect of modernization said, ‘The modernity should not derail our proven lifestyle of peace and happiness. If we protect our Tulunadu culture, then we protect the uniqueness of this land.’
 
Dakshina Kannada district Deputy Commissioner and Pilikula Nisargadama chairman A B Ibrahim in his address said, ‘Being a part of the nuclear families, we stay away from our parents as well as our culture. Our roots lie in our traditional lifestyle and the rich culture. We should sustain them for fosterity,’ said DC Ibrahim.
 
Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president M Janaki Bramavara Pilikula Nisargadhama executive director S A Prabakar Sharma, deputy director of Kannada and culture department Chandrahas B Rai, the members of Mahila Okkoota Mangalore taluk and others were present on the occasion.