Kodava Samaja, Mysore, will be celebrating Cauvery Sankramana Festival in the Samaja premises at Vijayanagar 1st Stage in city on Oct.18.
Kani Puja will be performed at 10.30 am. Holy water (Theertha) will be distributed to all the devotees present on the occasion. Light refreshments is also arranged for devotees, according to a press release from the Samaja Hon. Secretary K.A. Belliappa.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / October 16th, 2023
HIGHLIGHTS
The district administration has made all the preparations to host annual Cauvery Tula Sankramana to be held on Tuesday at 1.27 am at Tala cauvery , the birth place of river Cauvery.
Madikeri:
The district administration has made all the preparations to host annual Cauvery Tula Sankramana to be held on Tuesday at 1.27 am at Tala cauvery , the birth place of river Cauvery. The special rituals and preparations taking place at Talakaveri and Bhagamandala since the 27th of September. District In-charge Minister Bosaraju visited Talacauvery and Bhagandala to review the arrangements. His visit included a special pooja at the Bhagandeshwara temple in Bhagamandala ,marking the beginning of the traditional lighting of the lamp (Nanda Deepa), which will remain lit for the next month.
The Nanda Deepa, which is traditionally lit on this occasion, will continue to burn until next month. This year, the festival occurs late at night, and both the district administration and the government have been diligently working to ensure all necessary preparations are in place to facilitate the event. Minister N.S. Bosaraju expressed his confidence in the smooth execution of the J teertodhbhava. He also reviewed preparations at the Bhagandeshwar Temple and Talacauvery shrines. The preparations are in full swing at Bhagamandala, and the Talacauvery temples in anticipation of the holy Teerthodhbhava celebration. Minister Bosaraju was accompanied by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna during the inspection. Deputy commissioner Venkat Raja briefed the minister on the construction of a stage for cultural and religious programs, the establishment of barricades for convinience of devotees and other necessary arrangements. The focus is on ensuring that devotees have a seamless and spiritually enriching experience.
The minister assured that proper facilities and arrangements, such as food distribution, medical assistance, and ambulance services, will be provided to make the event safe and comfortable for devotees. In terms of security, there will be a significant police presence, under the leadership of SP , one ASP , two Deputy Superintendents, nine Inspectors, 15 Sub-Inspectors, 30 Assistant Sub-Inspectors, 350 head constables, and other police personnel, including Home Guards, ensuring the safety of the event. KSRTC Depot Manager Mehbooba Ali said that additional buses will be deployed on the Madikeri- Talacauvery routes to meet the transportation needs of the devotees. According to sources nearly 50 thousand crowd would witness Teerthodhbhava. The devotees from Chennai, Tamil Nadu would also visit the shrine along with devotees from various districts of state.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Hans News Service / October 17th, 2023
In our concluding photo essay from the World Coffee Conference and Exhibition, we feature more trends and insights for startups.
Launched in 2014, PhotoSparks is a weekly feature from YourStory, with photographs that celebrate the spirit of creativity and innovation. In the earlier 720 posts, we featured an art festival, cartoon gallery. world music festival, telecom expo, millets fair, climate change expo, wildlife conference, startup festival, Diwali rangoli, and jazz festival.
The coffee ecosystem is opening up a wide range of entrepreneurship opportunities for coffee growers, roasters, curers, blenders, packagers, and cafes. The World Coffee Conference and Exhibition (WCC), held recently in Bengaluru, showcased a broad spectrum of players in equipment manufacturing, home brewing, and associated products like alternative milk.
“Demand for coffee has overtaken production in India. GenZ and millennials in particular are driving the coffee culture in India,” said Kailash Natani, MD, Sucafina. Indian youth are also driving trends such as the use of plant-based milk in coffees. “More than 50% of our global customer base are GenZ and millennials. 70% of the beverage that we sell is cold coffee,” observed Kelly Goodejohn, Vice President, Global Coffee Sustainability and Education, Starbucks.
WCC 2023 was inaugurated by a galaxy of national and international leaders such as Joe Kuli, Minister for Coffee from Papua New Guinea; Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director, International Coffee Organisation; and KG Jagadeesha, Secretary, Coffee Board of India.
Tennis champion Rohan Bopanna was designated as Brand Ambassador of WCC 2023. The event also featured traditional folk dances from coffee growing states of Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the North-East.
In Part I and Part II of our coverage of WCC 2023, we showcased the diversity and range of exhibits. See also our earlier photo essays on Coffee Santhe 2015, Mango Mela 2018, and Mango Diversity Fair 2019.
Climate and soil diversity around the world lead to a rich tapestry of artisanal coffee flavours. “They can range from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey, catering to different cultures,” observed Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of US-based Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).
“Specialty coffee fosters a sense of community. We are trying to build a market in India for specialty coffees and have made good headway. The future of India as a coffee leader looks very promising,” added DM Purnesh, President, Specialty Coffee Association of India.
Sustainability in the coffee chain was one of the key conference themes this year. “The success of the future of the coffee industry is based on the partnerships we forge with the farming community. A wholistic approach is key to reducing our environmental footprint,” said Michelle Burns, Executive Vice President- Global Coffee, Social Impact and Sustainability, Starbucks.
Harald Friedl, CEO, Green Leadership, urged the industry to explore the use of coffee in alternate products, not just as a beverage. Salvador Urrutia Loucel, Latin American Director, World Coffee Research, called for more R&D in breeding climate-resilient variants of the coffee bean.
“The sector needs to look at alternative coffee species beyond Arabica and Robusta – the two dominant varieties today,” added Dr. Aaron Davis, Kew Gardens (UK).
“India’s growing reputation in the coffee industry, known for its sustainable and high-quality production, is gaining global recognition,” observed Dr. K.G. Jagadeesha, Secretary, Coffee Board of India.
India reportedly has six Geographical Indication (GI) tagged coffees. Many ‘coffeepreneurs’ and ‘cafepreneurs’ are finding opportunity along the entire coffee value chain, and new coffee shops have also transformed into creative hubs.
One of the highlights of WCC 2023 was the coffee competitions. Awards were bestowed upon the National Barista Champion (Hrishikesh Mohite), Women’s Star Brewer Skills Champion (Priti Pradhan), Latte Art Champion (Mohammad Afsar), and Indian Filter Coffee Champion (Vani Shree N from Brown Bean Artistry). Other awards were given for best natural and washed coffee beans in Robusta and Arabica categories.
“This competition not only celebrated the art of coffee making but also highlighted the dedication and talent of baristas,” explains Anisha Kumari, Assistant Manager, Beverage Innovation, at leading coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day (CCD).
She was earlier part of the quality team at Hatti Kaapi. An expert in beverage development, portfolio management, and product quality, Kumari studied at BITS Mesra and Coffee Board of India, specialising in food technology and processing.
She particularly appreciated the session on the quality profile of Indian specialty and fine coffees. “This was a significant highlight as it emphasised India’s growing presence in the global coffee market and the exceptional quality of its coffee offerings,” she tells YourStory.
During the conference, Kumari worked at the CCD bar, crafting and serving coffees to delegates and visitors. “The response was overwhelming, as CCD has become an emotional connection for many. CCD has significantly contributed to introducing café culture in India,” she affirms.
The international event gave her a chance to hold discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions with both Indian and foreign stakeholders over a cup of coffee. “The WCC events serve as a pivotal platform for coffee entrepreneurs, offering invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration with global coffee professionals,” Kumari says.
There is a wealth of market insights and trends, particularly within the specialty coffee sector. “Furthermore, the conference provides a conducive environment for staying informed about industry innovations,” she adds.
“Notably, prominent brands presented a range of B2B services, spanning coffee trade and comprehensive machinery solutions encompassing packaging and connectivity,” Kumari says. Networking was facilitated between small and large coffee growers, factory mills, roasters, and distributors of café machinery.
Such forums promote collaboration and foster growth within the coffee industry. Kumari looks forward to more such events such as the Blend Bazaar and World Coffee and Tea Expo.
“I plan to conduct coffee workshops and training sessions across India, aiming to share knowledge and expertise with aspiring baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and professionals, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the coffee community,” she enthuses.
She also offers tips for aspiring coffee entrepreneurs. “Keep exploring and trying various coffees from different cafes and experiment with innovative coffee beverages from various brands,” she says.
“By doing so, you not only support the industry but also expand your own palate and appreciation for coffee,” she suggests.
Continuous learning is needed to keep up with new farm-level processing techniques, roasting methods, and brewing approaches. “This knowledge will not only deepen your understanding of coffee but also enhance your enjoyment of this beloved beverage,” she adds.
“So, savour the journey of coffee exploration and continue to appreciate the hard work that goes into every cup,” Kumari signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and showcase the breadth of your creative side?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at WCC2023.)
See also the YourStory pocketbook ‘Proverbs and Quotes for Entrepreneurs: A World of Inspiration for Startups,’ accessible as apps for Apple and Android devices.
Edited by Megha Reddy
source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Events / by Madanmohan Rao / edited by Megha Reddy / October 15th, 2023
Every person has a different relationship with coffee- some are purists – you know the ones who will talk about their beans, roasts, and brewing methods.
Every person has a different relationship with coffee- some are purists – you know the ones who will talk about their beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Others just want a caffeine hit, regardless of where and how it comes from. Then you have the adventurers, the experimentals who enjoy their beverage with a twist- they’ll try raspberry, mint, bubblegum, and be risque with their drink. What we are trying to say is the way we intake coffee might differ, but we’re all united by our need for this concoction.
You’ve heard of Champagne from France, but did you know that coffee also has its GI tags – namely from Kodagu (Coorg), Bababudangiri, Chikkamagaluru, Araku Valley and Wayanad?
Currently, India is the only country in the world where the entire coffee cultivation is grown under shade, hand-picked and sun dried. Indian coffee beans are exported widely around the globe, and valued especially in European markets as ‘premium’ coffee. In 2022-2023 alone, India is estimated to have produced about 3,52,000 metric tonnes of coffee beans (Arabica and Robusta), with the southern regions dominating the landscape with a produce of 326,415 metric tonnes.
In India, our southern counterpart shares an intimate relation with these dark beans- A steaming cup of filter kaapi is very personal to the residents here and rightfully so since, this is where coffee was born and grew up. Coffee has been an innate part of life in these hilly regions and it has everything to do with these four places- Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu (Coorg), Wayanad, Araku Valley.
Chikkamagaluru – Arabica
The birthplace of the world’s most adored beverage is known for tall lush green trees and huge coffee estate produces 96,180 Metric tonnes of coffee, making it India’s largest producer. Arabica and Robusta are the two kinds found in these regions the most. Visit Chikkamagaluru and go on a tour of the coffee plantations to discover how coffee is made. You can also try Korebi Coffee’s Barbara Estate Beans, available on CRED Store.
Kodagu (Coorg) – Arabica
Coorg is a tiny district tucked away into the deep valleys of a fertile stretch famous for Arabica and Robusta. Score some of this 100% authentic Arabica coffee from Estate Monkeys single estate range, and while you’re at it, don’t miss out on a tour of these rich, dense plantations!
Estate Monkeys brings you fresh, 100% pure and premium Arabica beans from Baragalli Estate & Puttana Koppalu Estate plantations across North Coorg. Selectivity, traceability, transparency and quality describes and complements this coffee. From growing to brewing, every step is monitored and accounted for.
The first step of quality check takes place at the estate level. Shade-grown coffee supports biodiversity, native flora and fauna and migratory birds. They retain huge biodiversity thus complementing the coffee plants with various fruit bearing trees and spices which as a matter of fact adds on to the flavours of coffee. The hand-picked ripe cherries are hand-sorted with utmost care. They are introduced into machines to remove the fruit pulp and later washed in clear water to remove the mucilage. The washed beans are laid out in thin layers and dried naturally under the sun for a few days constantly by using rakes and later transferred into hulling machines for removal of the skin.
Wayanad – Robusta
In the Wayanad district of Kerala, Robusta coffee is grown both as a pure crop and in combination with pepper. The majority of Kerala’s coffee is grown in Wayanad, which also serves as the foundation of the state’s coffee industry. The region has a lot to offer to nature enthusiasts and people looking for a quiet, serene break.
Araku Valley – Arabica
Arabica here has a light to medium strength and a lovely acidity with a grapefruit citrus note combined with a faint jaggery-like sweetness. It is grown in areas of the Koraput district in Odisha and Visakhapatnam.
Barring these GI-tagged beans, some other lesser-known but equally exciting types of coffee include Monsoon Malabar, an exclusive variety found in the Malabar region of Kerala. You can find this whole bean roasted variety through Dope Coffee Roasters, along with another infamous variety staple to the Nilgiri Regions in the south, Nilgiri Coffee Beans.
If you want to know more about the coffee world, maybe it is time for you and your family to have your own little adventure in these dense, thriving mountain regions- freshly brewed cups of bitter coffee served alongside some sweet, sweet memories.
source: http://www.thestatesman.com / The Stateman / Home> Lifestyle / by IANS, New Delhi / October 08th, 2023
An initiative by Deputy Conservator of Forests Harsh Kumar Chiknaragunda has been made public regarding the implementation of tourist insurance coverage.
Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka Introduces Tourist Insurance:
Nagarhole National Park, renowned for its abundant biodiversity and breathtaking natural landscapes, is implementing an innovative measure to augment visitor security. An initiative by Deputy Conservator of Forests Harsh Kumar Chiknaragunda has been made public regarding the implementation of tourist insurance coverage.
Nagarhole National Park receives a substantial influx of wildlife enthusiasts each year, estimated at between 1.25 lakh and 1.50 lakh visitors. In order to ensure the protection of these visitors, the forest department has established a collaboration with the United India Insurance Company. As per the terms of the insurance policy number 0706022723107894900, each visitor to the park is entitled to Rs. 5 lakh in coverage.
Already in progress, this inventive insurance initiative has been allocated a dedicated budget by the forest department for its execution.
The Zonal Center of Nagarhole National Park is coordinating a symposium in observance of the 69th Wildlife Week, which will focus on the media’s and press’s influence in wildlife conservation and the reduction of human-wildlife conflicts.
The occasion is slated to begin at 11 a.m., and K. Ramarajan, the Kodagu District Superintendent of Police, will bestow the inauguration. Manoj Kumar Tripathi, the Chief Conservator of Forests for the Kodagu region, will be the distinguished guest of honor at this event.
Lost your bike insurance document? Here how to obtain a duplicate copy online
Prominent individuals, including S.K. Ravikumar, President of the Mysore District Journalists Association; Subramanya, General Secretary; K. Deepak, President of the District Development Cooperative; representatives from the Kote Journalists Association; and several village headmen, are expected to participate in the program.
source: http://www.newsd.in / Newsd.in/ Home> Beyond Metros / by NewsD / October 08th, 2023
For coffee farmers and coffee roasters from Keezhanthoor, the bean is not just livelihood but also culture.
A group of six tribal women coffee farmers and coffee roasters from Keezhanthoor, a biodiversity hotspot from Anamalai Cholai of Idukki district in Kerala, enthralled with their spectacular bean dance a large global audience gathered at the 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) that concluded recently in Bengaluru.
The folk dance of these Arabica-growing tribal farmers is special during the coffee harvest season every year at Keezhanthoor and their performances depict how coffee is inseparably linked to their lives, livelihood, culture and cuisine.
The coffee farmers/dancers, including Mahalakshmi Shivkumar, Mahalakshmi N., Ganthimathi, Gayathri, Palaniyammal, Aruna, Seetha, Sheena, Anjana, Divya, Swapna, also narrated how organically grown and manually roasted coffees in earthenware and ironware using traditional methods and with much care, craftsmanship and love for the classic beverage has ensured better market reach and increased sustainability across the bean’s journey from farm to cup.
“At Keezhanthoor, we have lived with coffee for generations. Coffee is everything for us. It is our livelihood, culture and celebrations. Although growing, harvesting and processing involves a lot of hard work, we enjoy doing it together with songs and dance,’‘ explained Ms. Palaniyammal.
Plantrich, an export house of organic produce, works with various farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and NGOs across the country that support farmers with growing world-class coffees and fetching international price for the commodity. Manarcadu Social Service Society, a Kottayam-based NGO, is assisting a network of over 5,000 organic and tribal coffee farmers in Kerala and another 5,000 small and sustainability-certified farmers in Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Kodagu and in other coffee-growing areas in the country.
These tribal farmers are playing a key role in preserving traditional coffee roasting techniques and are a testament to India’s rich heritage of coffee culture. Their folk performance and narration offers an immersive journey into the heart and soul of coffee craftsmanship, said M.S. Sreekumar, CEO, Plantrich.
“We support coffee farmers by offering fair prices for their products, supplying organic input, building capacity of women farmers, scholarships to children of tribal farmers for education, annual yield bonuses and farming and safety equipment,’‘ he added.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Mini Tejaswi / October 03rd, 2023
Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.
She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.
Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)
She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.
In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023
‘Cauvery Maha Aarathi’ , an initiative started in 2010 to create awareness, will complete 150 months of continuing rituals to the river this month.
Madikeri :
The looming water scarcity and the need to protect rivers are evident from the ongoing Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It was over 12 years ago that a few organisations from across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu urged residents to preserve and protect River Cauvery from its birthplace in Talacauvery to Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu. ‘Cauvery Maha Aarathi’, an initiative started in 2010 to create awareness, will complete 150 months of continuing rituals to the river this month.
The ritual has also spread to the banks of the river at Ramanathapura in Hassan district. “Seers and a few citizens from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu visit Talacauvery every year and start off the ‘yatra’ towards Poompuhar. They visit all the important places located by the banks of Cauvery from Kodagu to Tamil Nadu, and spread awareness amongst the public to protect the river,” he added. The ‘yatra’ will be carried out by a group of seers this year to coincide with the 150th full moon day, and the Cauvery Maha Arathi ritual will be held on October 20.
“Cauvery was offered puja on the full moon day for the 149th month on September 29. The ritualistic puja is a sacrosanct reminder to everyone to protect and prevent pollution of the river. If the Cauvery is not protected, the water crisis will worsen, and we want to create awareness about the same,” explained Chandramohan, a member of the Cauvery Maha Arathi team and convenor of the Cauvery Swachata Andolana forum.
The 149th puja was performed on the banks of the Cauvery at Kushalnagar and the event highlighted the need to look at the river as sacred in order to protect her. “For the past 12 years, we have been creating awareness among locals and tourists against river pollution. A few renowned seers suggested that we start something similar to Ganga Aarathi and the initiative began,” he said, adding that apart from the ritual puja on every full moon, a ‘yatra’ from Talacauvery to Poompuhar is also held annually.
source: http://www.newindianexpress. com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 02nd, 2023
