Seminar on the Significance of ‘Aati Amavasya’ organized in St. Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 23 July 2023: An informative seminar on the importance and significance of the ‘Aati Amavasya’  and the reasons behind consuming  the potion  drawn from the bark of the Paale tree (Satanacho Rook) was organized in the Community Hall of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle on Sunday, 23 July at 8.30 am. The seminar was jointly organized by the Environmental Commission and Health Commission Units of the parish.

 

Following the introductory remarks by Fr. Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, the resource person, Bannanje Babu Amin, an expert on the History and Culture of the Coastal Karnataka (Tulunadu) and winner of the 2021 Karnataka Rajyotsava Puraskar narrated the historical, cultural and medical background of the observation of the ‘Aati Amavasya’ and the practices associated with this event especially consuming of the potion prepared  from the bark of the Paale tree. He said that the roots of the Paale tree penetrate deeper in the earth and absorb many ingredients that have medicinal value. During the Aati Amavasya these medicinal ingredients get concentrated in the bark of the tree which are very useful in creating immunity among the people against the various monsoon related ailments and diseases. He also explained in detail the procedure in preparing the medicinal potion.

 

 

The seminar was presided over by Fr. Pradeep Cardoza. Fr. Jnan Prakash-Rector of the Diocesan Minor Seminary, Pritiesh D’Sa-Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council(PPC), Sr. Bertina Pereira-Superior of the Loreto Convent, Charles Quadros-Secretary of the PPC, Bhupesh, Mrs. Gracy Rebello-Convener of the 20 Commissions, Maxim D’Sa- Coordinator of the Environmental Commission, Mrs. Jyothi D’Souza-Coordinator of the Health Commission were present.

 

On this occasion around 80 varieties of medicinal plants procured by the Health Commission members were put on display.

 

Charles Quadros introduced the resource person, Bannanje Babu Amin. Maxim D’Sa compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.