Tulu culture showcased on Aatid Onji Dina

Tulu culture showcased on Aatid Onji Dina

Udupi: The ‘Aatid Onji Dina’ was organised by the Udupi Taluk Mahila Mandaligala Okkuta, the Kannada Culture Department Udupi and others associations at the Ammanni Ramanna Shetty Auditorium here, on July 19.

The programme began with an invocation. Sheela K Shetty, president of Udupi Taluk Mahila Mandaligala Okkuta, welcomed the gathering. Meenakshi Madhava Bannaje, president of Udupi City Municipal Council inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Thereafter, channe mane – the folk game of Tulunadu – was played. Madhava complimented the organisers for conducting the event.

Jayakar Shetty Indrali, president of Tulu Koota Udupi, in his message, said that celebrations and rituals in the ‘Ashada’ have been practiced since ages by the people to adjust themselves to the changing environment. In earlier days, people would adjust to the necessities and the changes that were taking place in the season, he added.

“Farming is the main activity of the Tulunadu region. A farmer toils hard throughout the year but takes a break during the month of Aati. Unable to do much work due to the rains, the farmer involves himself in cultural activities such as dance, music and traditional games for entertainment. Hence, Aati is a culturally significant month,” said Indrali.

Indrali further said, “Our ancestors used to practice various traditions. However, these traditions have a scientific rationale. Mouth watering delicacies are prepared during Aati which helps to heal the body, provides nutrition and increases the immunity level.” He regretted that modernisation has been replacing this rich culture. “There is a need to preserve our culture and create awareness about it. Programmes like ‘Aatid Onji Dina’ keep people in touch with their tradition.”

The main highlight of the event was the traditional Aati food fiesta organised by the women’s association. The food was prepared by the members of the various associations. Each association took up the responsibility of preparing an item.

As many as 23 traditional food items such as ‘Urpel Aritha Nuppu’, ‘Uppad Pachir’, ‘Kudtha Saar’, ‘Tevu’, ‘Padpe’, ‘Tauthe Amabde Koddel’, ‘Patrode’, ‘Thojank’, ‘Chilimbi Adde’, ‘Thojank Vade’, ‘Pelakaida Gatti’, ‘Saarnadde’, ‘Manjaldha Iretha Gatti’, ‘Uppad’, ‘Thimareda Chutney’, ‘Ale’, ‘Neerkukudha chutney’, ‘Peladha Pachiru’, ‘Moode’ and others were served. The culture of Tulunadu was showcased. Various traditional dances were also performed on the occasion.