Younger Generation Should Retain Tulunadu Culture – Minister Rai During Aati Koota
Mangaluru: The annual ‘Aati Koota’ was inaugurated at the Guthina Mane, Pilikula Nisargadhama here, on August 13.
Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza inaugurated the Aati Koota by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries.
Among the many dignitaries who visited the Aati Koota, District Minister In-charge B Ramanath Rai speaking to the mediapersons said that Aati Koota is a traditional event. We want to remind the younger generation about it and sensitize them on the life of their elders in the olden days. The Aati month was the toughest month of the year and due to heavy rains, people faced problems. It was also hard to find jobs during this month and was difficult for the head of the family to manage the household. During the Aati month, whatever was grown in the compound was used. We want to remind the younger generation how difficult it was for their elders during the month of Aati.”
Ramanath Rai further said, “DK is the number one district in preparing eatables. Our people are spread around the world and they are known for hospitality. Today Women from various organizations have prepared special Aati delicacies such as Patrade, Garike, Halasina Gatti, Rice Laddu, Guriyappa etc. A special Aati lunch was also prepared. Dakshina Kannada district is number one in preparing various delicacies in the country. Today we are recalling our old tradition by celebrating Aati.”
Ramanath Rai also said, “When I was young I was crazy about the Kambala and Yakshagana and I was watching Yakshagana without fail. During Aati the Chikkamela used to go from door to door and perform. Now due to the social changes, people are living in apartments hence Chikkamela and Talamaddale are vanishing. In order to retain Chikkamela and Talamaddale we need to encourage such troupes by inviting them to our houses or apartments to perform. Thus we can keep the Chikkamela Yakshagana alive. In the Guthuhouse we are celebrating various events to promote the Tulunadu culture and tradition so that our younger generation retains it.”
Mayor Kavitha Sanil speaking on the occasion said, “In olden days during the rainy season the head of the family faced difficulties to take care of his family. People then were depending on what they grow in the rainy season. But now the life style has changed. Today we are celebrating Aati Koota to show our younger generation how tough life was in the olden days, specially during the rainy season.”
MCC Councillors Nagaveni, Sabitha Misquith, Appilatha, Akhila Alva, Pilikula Nisargadhama director Prasanna, Dr K V Rao, N G Mohan, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura and Director of Pilikula Biological Park Jayaprakash Bhadary were also present.