Mangaluru: There is no limit of happiness in the celebration of Bisu, the festival of a new beginning that welcomes the harvest and new season. Celebrations galore in the Tulu region as this festival is being celebrated by every Tuluva be it Bunts, Billavas or Mogaveeras. The festival is significant as it welcomes the first crop into the household.
The district administration, in association with the Pilikula Nisargadhama, celebrated the Bisu Parba at the Guthu House, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Vamanjoor here on April 14. The setting was based on the theme of Bisu where the freshly grown vegetables and fruits were arranged on the floor.
Professor Vivek Rai briefed on the significance of the Bisu Festival. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Vivek Rai said, “Bisu was one of the most important festivals of the Tuluva culture, especially the farming community of the coastal districts because it is related to agriculture which thrives because of light. Light revolves around welcoming new life and hence, the festival marks a new beginning in life.”
According to the Solar calendar, the first day of the Tuluva new year falls on April 14 while the Chandramana Ugadi (Lunar Calender) is celebrated on March 27. It is the period of transition of seasons, where ‘Suggi’ culminates and the month of ‘Paggu’ commences.
“It is customary that on this day, the farmers take up agricultural operation for the summer crop.”
“As a part of the celebrations, the farmers who grow vegetables during this season will regale in the glory of the vegetables they have grown. They arrange it in such a way that they fill their homes. They later offer prayers to the god for the bounty of nature. They go to the houses of their relatives and neighbours, and celebrate Bisu by having lunch together.
Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said, “For the first time, we are celebrating Bisu in the Guthu House. Pilikula is our own and we should all join together to celebrate various festivals. We have celebrated Aatidonji Dina at the Guthu House, and now we are celebrating Bisu. In the coming days, we will celebrate all the traditional festivals at Guthu. In olden days, people used to cook various food items from the leaves but now, we do not know how to cook. To retain the tradition, we have organised this festival so that people will know the tradition and culture of Tulunadu.”
Director of Pilikula Nisargadhama Prabhaka Sharma, MUDA Chairman Mohammed Nazir, MCC Commissioner Hephsiba Rani Korlapati, CEO ZP Sreevidhya, SP Dr Sharanappa, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Yashwanti Alva and others were also present.