Pilikula Nisargadhama Celebrates ‘Bisu Parba’ at Guthu House
Mangaluru: “Bisu Parba” was celebrated at the Guthu House, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Vamanjoor here on April 14. The setting was based on the theme of Bisu where freshly grown vegetables and fruits were arranged on the floor.
Senior Professor of Mangaluru Univesity Dr K Chinnappa Gowda briefed on the significance of the Bisu Festival. Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Chinnappa Gowda 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.”
Dr K Chinnappa Gowda further said, “According to the Solar calendar, the first day of the Tuluva new year falls on April 14 while the Chandramana Ugadi (Lunar Calendar) is celebrated in March. It is the period of transition of seasons, where ‘Suggi’ culminates and the month of ‘Paggu’ commences. It is customary that on this day, farmers take up agricultural operation for the summer crop.”
Dr K Chinnappa Gowda also said, “As a part of the celebrations, 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 and later offer prayers to God for the bounty of nature. They then go to the houses of their relatives and neighbours and celebrate Bisu by having lunch together”.
Director of Pilikula Park Jayaprakash Bhandary said, “This is the fourth year we are celebrating Bisu in the Guthu House. Pilikula is our own, since we are celebrating various festivals at the Guthu House, we should join together for such celebrations. 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 and take it to the younger generation, we are organizing traditional festivals at the Gutu house so that people will come know the tradition and culture of Tulunadu.”
As the model code of conduct is in force, politicians and government officials have refrained from participating in the Bisu Parba.
There is no limit to happiness in the celebrations of Bisu, the festival of a new beginning that welcomes the harvest and the 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.
A sumptuous South Indian Festive meal with 25 varieties was served in plantain leaves such as Uppu (salt), Uppinakai (Pickle), Mullusouthe pacchodi, Hesrubele Kosambri, Alasande Palya, Geruthende Uppukari, Moode – Tenginakai halu, Hesru -Sauthe Gasi, Gujje – Kadle Palya, Rice, Hurulisaru, Pappad, Mango curry, Sauthe sambar, Badanegojju, bendekai majjige huli, halasina hannu chandurli, holige, Hesrubele payasa, balehannu podi, Jigujje podi, genasu podi, Majjige and Halasina Hannu Appa.
Director Pilikula Regional Science Centre Dr K V Rao, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura and others were also present.