Category Archives: About Kodagu / Coorg

Kodava Samaja hits a century

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The association grew into being a strong force named the Kodava Samaja with more than ten thousand people from the Kodava community becoming a part of it and celebrated its hundred years of existence here on Sunday.

A majority of the women wore sarees draped in the traditional Kodava way, while the younger generations wore jeans and t-shirts.

B A Muttanna, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) East, who spoke on the occasion said that the history of the community should not be oral alone.

Till now there is no library which can help the young generation learn about the Kodava community. The Samaj must set up a library in Bangalore where books on the history of the community must be made available.”

The Kodavas regard their female folks highly and that is a matter of pride.

M Boppaiah, member of the Samaj said even during marriages, Kodavas do not depend on any priests.

Instead, the older lady of the house performs the rituals. This is to symbolise that they are respected most.

With special Kodava meals served for lunch, people from the age of 10 to 80 were seen relishing what they miss in the urban environment.

“The food took me back to my village near Virajpet,” said P Muthanna, a retired government employee.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> City / DHNS / September 11th, 2011

Fest brings in glimpses of Kodava culture

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Taluk-level Kodava Sanskritika Mela painted a festive mood in Kushalnagar on Tuesday.

Kushalnagar, Dec 6, DHNS:
Organised by Kushalnagar Kodava Samaja, the programme was inaugurated by Zilla Panchayat President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa who thus threw open a platform to showcase Kodava culture and traditions.

Kodavas dressed in their traditional attire presented a slice of Kodava folk culture by performing ‘Ummathat’, ‘Kolata’, ‘Bolakat’, ‘Kathi Aat’, ‘Valagathat’, ‘Pariyakali’ etc. The mela was not confined to youth. Even kids and elderly took part in the programme with equal zeal.

Inaugurating the event Ravi Kushalappa said that everyone should take up the responsibility of keeping their culture and traditions alive and passing it on to the next generation.

He said that the Kodavas should take this responsibility because Kodava culture and language is distinct from others.

“Number of Kodavas is declining in Kodagu. The Kodavas are migrating to cities to try their fortune. This in future will lead Kodava culture and language towards dangerous end,” he warned.

Kodava Sahithya Academy President Imudiyanda Rani Machaiah presiding over the programme said that Kalamela intends to protect the Kodava culture in its pristine form.

Kodava Sahithya Academy former president Bacharaniyanda P Appanna presided over the session. Kodava Samaja former president Cholanda A Muddappa presented paper on ‘Changing Kodava culture’ while Lecturer Ajjikuttira Sunita Girish presented paper on ‘Kodagu-background of Kodava folklore and history’

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Home> District/ December 06th, 2011 / DHNS

Kodagu, Karnataka Tourism and Attractions

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This page Kodagu Karnataka Tourism and Attractions gives the details about the Important tourist places in coorg bhagamandala, Harangi Backwaters, Madikeri sight seeing, Nagarhole National Park, Nisargadhama Tourist places and Nisargadhama tour and Talacauvery temple and sight seeing including weather and climate of Kodagu in Karnataka.

Kodagu Tour

The scenic splendor of the Western Ghats with undulating meadows and hills was called as Coorg or the Scotland of India. The region is famous for coffee estates and orange orchards plantation.

Tourist places Around Kodagu

Bhagamandala Tourism

Bhagamandala is a special place in Karnataka for the union of rivers. This place is situated at the distance of 38km from Medikeri. A small town to the west of medikeri , where the sacred river Cauvery and its tributary Kannike meet. This Sangam is considered sacred and draws many pilgrims and visitors. Near the confluence is the Bhagandeshwara Shivan temple which has a peculiar style of architecture similar to the temple of Kerala.

Harangi Backwaters

This place is situated at the distance of 30km from Hunsur. A pretty reservoir close to Kushalnagar recently constructed here attracts more visitors. Harangi Backwaters is an ideal picnic spot or for week end gate way. The highest point provides a breathtaking view of the vast water area below.

Madikeri Tourist Places

Madikeri the most beautiful hill station of Karnataka is located at the distance of 254km from Bangalore. Standing at a height of about 1524 metres elevation in rich green trap of the Western Ghats, Medikeri is rich scenes of enchanting loveliness. One can have a glimpse of the Arabian Sea from its peak. The 19th century fort has several old buildings, a temple and a chapel, some of which are mow converted as museums. Two lives- like elephants made out of mortar stand in their beautiful garden which presents an enchanting view of the valleys to Shiva with two sacred ponds on one side. On the outskirts are the massive strictures. A little away from Madikeri are two water falls which are situated in very picturesque surrounding. Abbey water falls and oruppu water falls enhance the beauty of Madikeri.

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park the popular tourist spot of KarnatakaThis place is situated 42km from Hunsur. A famous wild life sanctuary very well maintained with excellent forest lodge. This place gives an opportunity to the visitors to see wild life of all kinds varying from majestic elephants to bison, deer and jackal moving about within their own natural setting. Jeep and elephant rides are available for jungle safari.
Nagarhole National Park timings: 9:00 am- 5:30 pm
Nagarhole National Park safari Timings: 10:00 am- 2:30 pm

Nisargadhama Tour

On the state highway, from Madikeri to Kushalnagar at a distance of 3km are few islets on the river Cauvery. The cluster of huts built of wood and bamboo, this resort blend with the thick forest around. It is a popular resort frequented by many tourists.
Nisargadhama Entry Fee: Entry Fee: Rs 10, Rs 5 for kids
Nisargadhama timings: 9:00 am- 5:30 pm

Talacauvery Karnataka Tour

This holy place of Karnataka is located at the distance of 40km from Medikeri. This is the birth place of the sacred river Cauvery, situated on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills. The Tula Sankramana is regarded as the most auspicious day by the people of Kodagu for visiting this place. There is a small pond which is the source of the river. One can see the water gushing out at a prescribed moment known beforehand.
Talacauvery Temple: Omkareshwara temple, a popular pilgrim destination.
Talacauvery Temple timings: 6:00 am- 8:30 pm

source: http://www.karnatakaspider.com / Author: Kavitha / Posted November 29th, 2011

Madikeri Fort / Madikeri Palace

About Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madikeri Fort / Madikeri Palace

Madikeri Fort was first built as a mud fort by Mudduraja at the end of 17th century. He also built a palace inside the fort. It was eventually rebuilt in granite by Tipu Sultan who later named the site as Jaffarabad.

The Madikeri fort had witnessed several fierce battles. In 1700, Doddavira Rajendra took control of the fort. The Palace was renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814.

The fort encompasses a church which houses the state archaeological museum, and in 1812, when the British took over the territory the fort, the palace and its apartments were all transformed into district offices. Two magnificent mortar elephant figures can also be seen inside the fort. The palace features a stone formation of a tortoise, which has initials of King Vijayarajendra engraved on it.

The palace is built in gothic style, and the church inside is known as the St. Mark’s Church which has been converted into a museum with historical artifacts, along with a section dedicated to Field Marshal Cariappa. Besides museum, this fort also houses a district prison, the Kote Mahaganapathi Temple and the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library.

source: http://www.folksden.com / Karnataka

Talacauvery

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

About 48 kms from Madikeri, in the ranges of Kodanda, this spot is where the holy river Cauvery has her founts. The legend has it that Lopamudra, the daughter of Lord Brahma, the creator, was given in marriage to the mythical sage Agasthya, by her foster fathers, another mythical sage, Kabhir Muni. Sorrowed by the marriage, Lopamudra turned herself into water and sought asylum in the ‘Kunda’ or the mountain cauldron. It is believed by the faithful that she dwells in the ‘Kunda’ in which an amazing phenomenon occurs on the 17th of October every year without fail. The placid waters of the pond turn vibrant in the form of a bubbling spring on the day, bearing testimony to the belief. There is also a larger pool nearby in which a dip is considered sacred.

A flight of rock cut steps meanders up the sacred Brahmagiri Hill, on the top of which a beautiful temple is dedicated to Goddess Cauvery where the Goddess is worshipped with alacrity. This region also has puranic references. The ‘Pandava Brothers’ of the great epic ‘The Mahabharatha’ are said to have sojourned here. The hill offers a wonderful view of sylvan beauty.

source: http://www.folksden.com / November 28th, 2011

Kodavas of Coorg: Bold, beautiful and brainy

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

That its men are brave and the women beautiful is an oft-remarked blanket statement about Coorg. The British called it the Scotland of India when they fell in love with this cool nook in the Western Ghats and its warm people.

The Kodavas or Coorgis are an ethnic minority. But unlike other minority communities, the Kodavas are largely privileged. In fact, a pleasant colonial hangover stays with the people who enjoy a good life with evening drinks, golf, and hockey.

Although a Hindu community on paper, their language, customs, and traditions are distinct.“Easily one of the most martial cultures in the country, these are a people who ritually worship their guns and swords. Interestingly, till a few decades ago, the birth of a male child was marked with a gun shot, announcing to the world the arrival of a warrior,” writes Pattamada Sundar Muthanna in a coffee table book on Coorg tourism, brought out by journalist PT Bopanna.

Thanks to the outstanding contributions of this community to the country’s defence sector, Coorg is also called the Land of Generals.Field Marshal Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa, the first Indian Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, was a Kodava. General KS Thimmayya was another brave soldier, who led the army during crucial conflicts with China and brought laurels to his homeland in the hills.

“The people’s right to carry arms was originally granted by the Kodagu kings, who did not maintain a standing army, but called on the people to fight when an invasion threatened. This right was formalised by the British when they exempted the Coorgis from the Arms Act. Today the Coorgis and a few other communities have the right to own guns without having to go through the process of getting a licence,” said Muthanna.

Characteristically, Kodava weddings are not exempted from the martial element either. The bridegroom, wearing his smart traditional costume— the knee-length kupya (similar to the Scottish kilt )—would chop banana trees with their carved daggers called pichekathi and odi kathi, symbolically to portray the duels he fought for the bride. The pichekathis are a part of the groom’s wedding gear, stylishly tucked into the cotton cummerbunds that hold their wraparound cloaks together. The ceremonies are tribal in nature more than Hindu, and are devoid of any Brahminical rituals. There is no chanting of mantras and slokas, and family elders direct it.

Like the Scots, Kodavas too stress upon their clan lineage. Their surnames indicate their clan, and inter-clan marriage is forbidden. Another distinguishing characteristic of this community is the high status given to women. According to the Gazette of Coorg, compiled by G Richter, published in 1870, “Young persons under 16 years of age are not married in Coorg. Exceptions from this rule are very rare. It is to be hoped that the Coorgis will ever be preserved from the misery of child marriages.” Dowry is forbidden, and widow remarriage is encouraged. Probably owing to the cool climate and the secluded terrain, the Kodava community is known for its liberalised outlook to alcohol consumption.

“Alcohol is offered to gods and ancestors during ceremonies. Children who have come of age enjoy a drink or two with parents,” said Muthanna.

A main festival in the Kodava calendar is called Puthari. It is an annual fest to celebrate the first harvest of paddy. Under full moonlight, stalks of paddy are cut and joyous gunshots mark the occasion.

The Kodava language is a mix of its geographical neighbours with many surprises thrown in. Malayalam, Tulu, and Kannada influences can be easily spotted, but the language is also unique as its people.

source: http://www.anhourago.in / DNA www.dnaindia.com / Home> Bangalore> Report / by Malavika Velayankkal / Sunday, Nov 13th, 2011

‘Ekikarana’ movement: A timeline

About Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Uncategorized

The regions that make up for today’s Karnataka were under as many as 20 different administrative units with the princely state of Mysore, Nizam’s Hyderabad, the Bombay Presidency, the Madras Presidency and the territory of Kodagu being some of them.


* Under such circumstances, a need was felt among Kannadigas living in these various administrative units to form one state, which would unify all Kannada-speaking people in the various regions. This movement called the Ekikarana movement was led by litterateurs and thinkers.

* The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha was established in Dharwad in 1890. This was an important phase in the history of the unification movement. The Sangha was started by R H Deshpande who strove for the revival of Kannada in a region which was part of the Bombay Presidency where Marathi was the language of administration.

* It was later that the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (Bangalore) was set up (1915), which was another driving force in the unification movement.

* Alur Venkata Rao was the leading light of the unification movement. The publication of his Karnataka Gatha Vaibhava in 1912 gave a huge push in terms of a mass movement. He was known as the Kannada Kula Purohita or the ‘High priest of the Kannada family.’

* The States Reorganisation Commission was constituted by the Central government under the States Reorganisation Act and consisted of Hon. Fazal Ali, Kavalam Madhava Panikkar, and HN Kunzru.

* The recommendations of the Fazal Ali Committee was ratified by the Parliament, which meant that several disparate Kannada-speaking regions would now come under the Mysore State.
n The State was formed on November 1, 1956.

n It was on November 1, 1973, under Devaraj Urs as chief minister that the Mysore State was renamed as Karnataka.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com /by DHNS / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / Tuesday, November 01st, 2011

Coorg is serenity and beauty personified

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment


When three women who have been friends for a decade decide to take their first trip together, we had to make it spectacular; and Coorg was the star of our spectacle.

We set off on a train to Bengaluru and on reaching the station, we unwittingly got into a ‘No English, no Hindi, only Kannada’ auto rickshaw to the Satellite Bus stand. From there, a super clean, very on time KSRTC bus took us to Kushalnagar, which is about 225 km from Bengaluru in four hours.

It was a fantastic drive on superb, pothole free roads. Kushalnagar is a bustling little town with warm and friendly people. There are many hotels which are quite close to the bus stop and also conveniently priced for us budget travellers.

Two places you should definitely visit from here are Bylekuppe and Dubare Forest reserve. Bylekuppe is a Tibetan settlement which houses a beautiful monas-tery. It is such a calming experience to see the monks dressed in maroon and yellow sit down to prayer in the large hall with the gleaming golden Buddhas.

From there we went to Dubare, which was a paradise for the animal lover in me.The high point of the reserve is the elephant interaction programme. You can roll up your sleeves and get dirty as you bathe an elephant, while cavorting around in the Kaveri flowing at your feet and then feed them huge globes of food and finally as a reward for your hard work, get up on the Jumbos and experience the jungle as they see it. It’s a memory that will be etched in your heart forever.

The next day, still talking animatedly about the elephants, we boarded a bus to Madikeri. About 35 km away from Kushalnagar, it is a gentle climb up a hill. Once we got there we were joined by a fourth team member; the rain, who was our constant companion from then on! Undeterred, we whipped out our umbrellas, zipped on our raincoats and headed out to see the Abby falls.

The mighty Kaveri in all her fury, cascading down steep rocks, to become the glorious Abby falls. We could not take our eyes off her, and try as we might, we could not take a picture that did justice to her splendour.

There are many other to-dos in Madikeri that tourist guides will give you but I suggest you slow down, walk through the narrow winding streets of Madikeri, breathe in the fresh mountain air and
experience nature at her pristine best.

Writer is a travel enthusiast

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / by Dwithiya. R / Home> Channels> Lifestyle> Wanderlust / October 18th, 2011

In the Mountains and the Valley of Kodagu (Coorg)

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Situated in Karnataka, the southern state of India amidst the massive Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains is a picturesque region of Kodagu (Coorg is the angelical term for Kodagu). Coorg is famously known for its scenic marvel, especially since it’s a calm hilly region with the hues of green caused because of the vast stretches of trees and forest. The Kaveri River that flows through this district also adds more beauty to this place.

Coffee and Coorg

Coorg and CoffeeThe district of Coorg is one of the largest and the first Coffee producing districts in India and the Coffee from Coorg is suppose to be one of the richest in the world. Coffeea robusta is a commonly found variety of Coffee in Coorg. One of the other varieties of Coffee produced in this region is Coffeea Arabica. The Coffee plantations also cultivate crops like vanilla, black pepper, and Cardamom.

Coffee Planation in CoorgThe vast natural forests are a great source of forest reserve and thus making Coorg an apt region for cultivation of variety of crops.

Flora and Fauna

Coorg is gifted with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The three wildlife sanctuaries Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary,Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, and one national park Nagarahole National Park have several species of animal like leopard, tigers, Asian Elephants, boars and deer.

Flora and Fauna - CoorgThe flora of the jungle is like none another, with trees like the thickly wooded bamboo, Iron wood, Indian Mahogany, Sandal wood, Ebony and much more the forests of Coorg are generously gifted.

Wildlife in CoorgIf luck favours you while driving through Nagarhole National Park you may sometime get to see wildlife like Chitals, Elephants, Bisons and Sambar.

Cultures and Traditions of the Coorgi’s

Kodava Pandi CurryThe people of Coorg have a distinctive culture much different from that of people from other parts of India. Known much for their hospitality and their love for weapons the people of Coorg are very welcoming and would be more than happy to have you around. If you are fortunate you could savour the famous delicacy of Coorg, Pork cooked in vinegar that has been extracted from wild berries.

The people of Coorg worship nature and their ancestors. They have high regards for the holy River Kaveri and consider it to be their mother and their provider.

A mother is also held at the highest regards in the Coorg community. A mothers blessing is considered of utmost importance and unlike other Hindu communities widows in the Coorg community can still participate in joyous events.

Coorgi’s also have a very distinctive way of dressing up. Men dress up in coats that hang down to their knees, paired with a turban or a white and red checked scarf. The saree that is worn by the women of Coorg is tucked in the back unlike the typical Indian way of tucking the pleats in the front.

Best place to Stay

If you are looking to enjoy the true beauty of coorg and to experience their culture first hand what better way than to opt to stay in a Homestay. Not only is Homestay one of the most economical way option of staying in Coorg it also comes with many added benefits. We offer you a variety of Homestay options in Coorg.

Eco HabitatOne of the best place to stay in Coorg is Eco Habitat, situated very close to river Kaveri. It’s a beautiful coconut farm intercropped with Vanilla & Cardamom. There is small dairy farm in Eco Habitat which takes care of all the dairy needs as well as bio gas for the kitchen.

 

Bird of Paradise

 

The Ahana Group stay In Coorg is a one of kind Estate stay amidst one of the numerous Coffee plantations in Coorg.

The Birds of Paradise is another Homestay option you cannot overlook. This seven acre estate will entice you with its scenic beauty and the gushing sound of Kaveri River that passes right through it With nothing but nature all around you this is a great place to unwind.

What To Do

Whether you are alone or with your friends, driving to the Raja Seat is one of the most relaxing and picturesque experience. The valley could be rebuffed with fog thus blocking your view in the winters but the distant mountains and the drizzle of the cold morning could be soothing and elating.

Irpu FallIrpu FallIrpu is a beautiful waterfall which makes it way from the Brahmagiri hills which is also the place where the Laxamana Teertha River originates.

TrekkingTrekking is one of the most popular forms of sport in Coorg. Coorg has extremely rugged land area thus making it a hotspot for trekkers who could trek to many summits and pave their way through dense jungles. Trekking is also a very dangerous sport hence it is highly recommended that you have done all your preparations well. The winters could bring the temperatures near the peak to freezing points hence it is advisable that you are well equipped, summers could also lead to heat strokes.

Abbi FallsAbbi waterfall located inside one of the private Coffee plantations is also one of the most visited tourist places in Coorg. It is not one of the most beautiful places in Coorg but you could give it a shot and see how it goes for you.

BhagamandalaBhagamandala and Talakaveri are places of great importance for the Coorgi’s. Bhagamandala literally translates to ‘the meeting point of 3 small rivers which gives birth to River Kaveri.

The Medikere Fort also attracts many tourists. Once made out of mud it was rebuilt by Tipu Sultan who used stone to construct the structure.

BylakuppeThe largest Tibetan settlement of Bylakuppe is located near Kushalnagar. There are numerous places to visit and see in Bylakuppe. Tibetan monasteries of great importance like Sera Je, Sera Mey and Namdroling Monastery are also located here. You could visit the monasteries and experience a totally difficult culture and witness the gold statues of Buddha which reflects the rich cultural heritage of Tibetans and earn yourself some good karma and peace of mind.

If fishing is your forte you could visit the Valnur Fishing Camp and experience the joy of angling for the grand Masheers. Make sure you have received a permit for fishing from the Coorg wildlife Society. Valnur is also a delight for bird watchers and bird aficionado.

Weather

Weather at CoorgThe best time to visit Coorg is in the between the months of September and March. The moderate temprarture of Coorg makes it a tourist hotspot for people from all around the world all year round. The winter time in Coorg could be a little chilly but it is still quite pleasant. The summer time heat makes it a welcoming place for tourists.

Weather - CoorgMonsoons make Coorg a scenic wonder since the greenery is at its peak and the waterfalls across the town are vivacious. Dress according to the season when you plan to visit, pack light cotton clothes for summer and some woollens for the winter.

Why Coorg

CoorgBlessed with cosmic stretches of mountains, abundant tropical forests and the greenery of the trees, the small hamlets scattered across the mountains and the sweet smell lingering from the coffee and cardamom plantations makes Coorg one the most opted vacation getaway across India. If you are looking to get away from the stressful life of the city and get some fresh air, experience the lush foliage and relax in one the most peaceful places then Coorg is the right place to sit back and relax and enjoy the joy of being amidst nature.

Getting to Coorg

CoorgThe nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore which is nearly 136 kms away. You could also head to Coorg directly from Bangalore airport which is 260 kms away. The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore and Mangalore which approximately the same distance away. There are buses from major cities across Karnataka to Madikere which is the closest bus stop to Coorg.

If you want to be notified next time, subscribe to the RSS feed or say hello via Twitter @theotherhome. You can plan your dream holiday with us, visitThe Other Home.

(Photo Courtesy: Kislaya Dube, Anuj Kumar and Nayyar Azam)

source: http://www.en.paperblog.com / September 24th, 2011

 

Cauvery ‘Teertodbhava’ at 11.43 p.m. on October 17

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

The famous ‘teertodbhava’, emerging of the sacred or holy water from the tiny pond called ‘Brahmakundike’ at Talacauvery, foothills of the mighty Brahmagiri Hills in Kodagu, will occur at 11.43 p.m. on October 17 under the ‘Mithuna Lagna’.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner N.V. Prasad said this at the preliminary teertodbhava meeting at the Old Assembly Hall in Madikeri on Tuesday. The puja rituals concerning the teertodbhava would start from September 28 at both Bhagamandala and Talacauvery with the patreyalli akki hakuvudu (filling rice in the vessel) at 8.45 a.m. on September 28, Aajna Muhurta on October 5 and Akshaya Patra on October 13.

Mr. Prasad gave a call to officials of all departments to take steps to ensure a successful teertodbhava. He instructed the Public Works Department engineers to repair the Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery road a week ahead of the Cauvery jatra that ensued after the teertodbhava.

He said the officials of the Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) should make arrangements to avoid power disruptions. The Talacauvery-Bhagamandala Temple Committee should keep diesel generators as stand-by to meet emergencies since the occurrence was in the night, Mr. Prasad said.

Sampath Kumar, Manager of the Temple Committee, said four generators would be kept ready to meet emergencies.

Mr. Prasad said the KSRTC Depot Manager Lachme Gowda should take steps to provide buses to the devotees visiting the temples on the teertodbhava day and on other jatra days. Mr. Gowda said 30 buses had been deployed during the last year’s teertodabhava and jatra, and the same number would be available this year as well.

Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri said the police would regulate the movement of vehicles to and from Talacauvery in view of the lack of space for parking at Talacauvery. The Public Works Department should take steps to look into the parking problems, Mr. Annigeri said.

Mr. Prasad told the Department of Health officials to equip themselves with medicines, ambulance, and related facilities to attend to health needs during the occasion.

Additional Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda said this was a preliminary meeting and the Legislative Assembly Speaker and legislators would attend the next meeting to oversee the preparations. Every government department should cooperate to make the teertodbhava celebrations a success, Mr. Gowda said.

Seven sub-committees, including reception, transport, cultural, and publicity, were formed on the occasion.

Mr. Gowda asked the Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture to organise cultural programmes during teertodbhava at Talacauvery. The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy president Iymudiyanda Rani Machaiah, Madikeri Deputy Conservator of Forests K.S. Anand, and Senior Assistant Commissioner M.R. Ravi, were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / by Staff Correspondent / National> Karnataka / Mysore, September 21st, 2011