The book titled, ‘The girl who unleashed magic’, written by Maya Appachu, is the 78th book released by the forum.
A native of Kodagu, Maya is the daughter of Sanchita and Karthik Appachu, who live in the United States.
Madikeri :
A posthumously published book written by a seven-year-old girl was released by the Kodava Makkada Koota in Madikeri. The book titled, ‘The girl who unleashed magic’, written by Maya Appachu, is the 78th book released by the forum.
A native of Kodagu, Maya is the daughter of Sanchita and Karthik Appachu, who live in the United States.
A student of Highcroft Drive Elementary School in the US, Maya was multi-talented. She used to maintain a diary filled with sketches in which she jotted down her encounters with fear, apprehensions and her experience in the new environment in the beginning days of her school. Her jottings have now been compiled into a book by the forum.
Thanking the forum for publishing the book, Maya’s parents who took part in the book release event relived the memories of their daughter.
Maya had an untimely death before she turned eight as she was diagnosed with Arteriovenous Malfunction (AVM). By donating organs, Maya found meaning even in death. The parents of Maya were honoured with the ‘Honour Bridge’ award for donating their daughter’s organs and a cherry tree has been planted at Maya’s school in her memory.
She was a child with many talents who found interest in various things. Besides classical music, dance, literature and art, Maya aimed to become an entomologist due to her interest in the study of insects.
“The books will be made part of all the school libraries in Kodagu to inspire the younger generation,” shared Bollajira Aiyappa, the president of the forum. The book has been translated into Kannada by writer Pushpa Devaiah.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 23rd, 2023
A Temple that was submerged after the construction of the picturesque Chikklihole Reservoir in Kushalnagar Taluk of Kodagu district has emerged from the waters, thanks to the dry spell and the failure of monsoon. People are coming to see the Temple in hordes and the place has become a picnic spot and a weekend getaway.
The Shiva Temple, constructed in 1983, has become accessible to people after 40 years. In April 2017 too, the Temple was visible for a brief period but was soon covered in water as it rained in June that year. This time, however, people have a chance to see the Temple till the next normal monsoon which is scheduled to start in June 2024
The Temple, located right in the middle of the Chikklihole Reservoir is visible along with the sanctum sanctorum and the pillars on the sides. There is a small well that was used as a source of water for the Temple before the Reservoir was constructed. Apart from the Shiva Temple, there are structures dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Nandi.
Clear warning, say residents
Clear warning, say residents
The re-emergence of the Temple six months before the onset of monsoon season is causing concern among locals about the potential implications and raising anticipation of a looming water crisis. This situation suggests a possible worsening of the water scarcity issue within the Cauvery basin. Usually, in December, the water inside the Chikklihole Reservoir does not dry up like it has happened this year. The current circumstances serve as a clear warning, say the residents.
Unfortunately, this year, due to inadequate rainfall in Kodagu, the Cauvery River did not flow vigorously, resulting in a water shortage in the Reservoir. The Chiklihole Reservoir, constructed for irrigation and agricultural purposes, saw water flowing into it in the initial months and excess water was discharged. As a result, the Reservoir lost its storage capacity as it did not rain beyond the initial months.
Thousands of farmers depend on the Chikklihole Dam for irrigation in the villages of Kushalanagar, Rangasamudra, Chikka Bettageri and Dodda Bettageri, Nanjarayapatana, Virupakshapura, Rasoolpura, Bollur, Basavanahalli and Guddehosur.
Even in hot summers these years, there was rarely a situation like the submerged Shiva Temple emerging from the waters. This year, however, the dam has become dry, exposing the structures beneath it.
150-year-old Temple
150-year-old Temple
The Shiva Temple was built 150 years ago by the Magdoor family, hailing from Kerala. The family migrated from the neighbouring region and were indulging in agriculture for a living. As the place had a special significance due to its spiritual nature, astrologers from Kerala were invited there. On the advice of the ‘thanthri’, the Temple was constructed with regular pujas and a grand Mahashivarathri and temple fair that used to be attended by thousands of people.
The Chikklihole Dam was built in 1983 when R. Gundu Rao was the CM to store and supply 0.18 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water. When the Temple was submerged, the Government, honouring religious sentiments, ordered an alternative Temple to be built nearby. Many channels were constructed to take the water to the fields of tail-end farmers.
In 1993, the descendants of the Magdoor family constructed another Temple of Lord Vishwanatha nearby and consecrated the main idol of Lord Shiva from the old submerged Temple in it. The Vishwanatha Temple of Magdoor went on to become famous.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / December 10th, 2023
COME September and the Kodavas look forward to Keilpodh, or the festival of arms, a celebration peculiar to Kodagu. The festivities and fun mark the completion of the transplantation of crops and salutes the hard work behind it.
The Kodavas have always maintained an intimate relationship with their weapons. They have evolved their own unique lifestyle where customs and habits emphasize strong family ties and a sense of tradition. They are the only tribes that can own a gun without a licence. A gun plays an important role in the life of a Kodava. After the birth of a child, a single shot is fired into the air to share the news with their neighbours; at the time of death two shots are fired. During weddings they use a large Kodava knife to cut the banana stalk with a single strike. There was mostly forest land where they lived and hunting used to be their favourite pastime. This festival reflects both their martial and agrarian character.
On Keilpodh, guns, knives, swords, bows and arrows and hunting implements are cleaned, polished, smeared with sandalwood paste and kept in the special puja room. They decorate the weapons with flowers, pray and make offerings to the Kodava deities, the river deity, Kaveriamma, the chief preceptor, Mahaguru Iguthappa, and the supreme ancestor, Guru Karana, and seek the well-being of their crops and strength to protect them from wild animals. Hanging prayer lamps, called thookbolcha in the Kodava language, are lit and thokke poor flowers (Gloriosa superba) are placed on the nozzles of guns.
After lunch the male family members, dressed in their traditional kupiyas, gather in the puja room where the Yajmana or the principal male picks up a gun and offers it to the eldest man in the group, signifying the commencement of the festival. The men pay obeisance to the Yajmana, pick up their guns and proceed outside to partake in the contest. Coconuts are tied to the top of the highest tree in the compound and everyone takes turns at showing their prowess with guns, by attempting to split the coconut open with one shot. In days of yore, at the break of dawn on Keilpodh, the Kodavas would set out with loaded rifles to hunt wild boar.
Arms and the ceremonial dress
The Kodava men don the ceremonial attire which is one of the most distinctive in India. The men make a magnificent picture in their traditional kupiya chales. The kupiya is a long, half-sleeved cotton robe which reaches below the knee, worn with a long-sleeved white shirt underneath and secured around the waist with an elaborate maroon and gold sash known as chale. The peechekathi, a silver dagger inlaid with gold and silver with an ornate handle and sheathed in an ornamental scabbard, is tucked into the sash and fastened to the back by a delicate silver chain.
LIQUOR AND FOOD
Food and alcohol are an essential part of the festivities. It is the time for the Kodavas to feast after undergoing the hard labour of ploughing, sowing and transplanting of rice. Lunch is a veritable banquet. The Kodavas being non-vegetarian, preparations of pork, chicken and mutton predominate while homemade wine flows.
Kodagu is also famed for its ethnic cuisine, made from locally abundant ingredients such as coconut, mushrooms, bamboo shoot, banana and rice and seasoned with ginger, chilli, pepper, cardamom and the native kachumpuli (the distinctly-flavoured thick, local vinegar). The legendary pandi (pork) curry and kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings) combo is a hot favourite. Many dishes reflect a combination of meat and wine. Rice is an integral part of the menu and rice noodles topped with a pungent curry is a very popular dish.
Vegetarians can try the local mushroom curry, redolent with the flavour of freshly picked wild mushrooms. There’s also a curry made with tender bamboo shoots that’s simply divine on its own or eaten with the local akki roti (rice rotis). We relished the other dishes like paaputt plain cake, and nooputt (string hoppers) noodles along with meat dishes like pandi curry, koli (chicken) and yerachi (meat) curries and also desserts like akki payasa (rice pudding).
In the evening, we witnessed the Ummathat dance which is the only female dance form of Kodagu. It was a treat to watch the graceful Kodava women in their colourful saris dance in a circling pattern to a lilting tune. The Coorg sari is worn with the pleats secured at the back like a fan and the end of the sari drawn under the left arm and fastened over the right with a pretty brooch or pin. The married women are identified by their vastra, a trailing georgette scarf covering their heads and tied at the nape of the neck, with the two ends draped elegantly over the shoulders.
Equally impressive was the bolak-aat which is performed by Kodava men to the resonant beat of drums. Earlier, the festivities involved gathering in the local mandh (open ground) where physical contests, and sports including marksmanship, and various folk dances were conducted. Currently, most of these gatherings and contests are held in the Kodava Samajam in various places.
source: http://www.civilsocietyonline.com / Civil Society / Home> Travel / by Susheela Nair / September 29th, 2023
High-profile Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, accompanied by their son Dylan, are on a tour of India following Michael’s honorary recognition at the International Film Festival (IFFA) in Goa where he received the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.
Currently, the family is exploring the enchanting region of Kodagu as part of their private tour. Post-IFFA in Goa, the family visited Tamil Nadu, where they visited the historic city of Thanjavur and the awe-inspiring Brihadishvara Temple — a magnificent Chola period temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its exquisite architecture.
Documenting their spiritual journey, the seasoned actor shared moments on social media, featuring the family offering prayers at the Temple adorned with garlands. Michael Douglas captioned the images, stating, “sightseeing with the best.”
Continuing their Indian sojourn, the family made a stopover at Kabini, enjoying a day at a secluded resort, before reaching Madikeri on Dec. 5. Choosing the serene Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Galibeedu village as their place of stay, the family explored the Mercara Downs Golf Club, engaging in a round of golf. Sources disclosed that Michael Douglas insisted on keeping their visit private.
Having visited India thrice before, mainly exploring the northern regions, Michael Douglas expressed a desire to delve into the southern part of the country this time. The family entrusted their travel plans to a New Delhi-based travel firm, utilising a chartered chopper for transportation. Impressed by the expansive 102-acre Golf Club, Michael Douglas and his family praised it as an ideal retreat for unwinding and spending quality family time. Their stay in Madikeri, Kodagu, is expected to continue for two to three days and details about their future travel plans remain confidential.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 07th, 2023
The annual get-together of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East, was held at its premises in Vidyashankara Nagar in Mysuru yesterday.
Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp.
Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah presided. Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy was the special invitee.
On the occasion, MLA Ponnanna felicitated Senior Members of the Association for their services to the causes of community, institutions, education and in general — Kuppanda M. Achaiah, Manipanda A. Muthanna and Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Founder-Editor Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, who received Hon. Doctorate from University of Mysore recently.
Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East, runs an educational institution — The Kodagu Model School — from LKG to X Standard at Vidyashankara Nagar here.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 04th, 2023
The annual get-together of Sri Kaveri Kodava Association, Mysuru East, will be held at its premises at No. 4, Kaveri Road, Vidyashankaranagar, Mysuru, tomorrow (Dec. 3) at 10 am.
Association President Puliyanda S. Devaiah will preside. Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna will be the chief guest. Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Ponjanda
A. Ganapathy will be the special invitee.
Association Senior Members Kuppanda M. Achaiah and Maniyapanda A. Muthanna will be felicitated on the occasion.
Also, Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra Founder-Editor K.B. Ganapathy, who received Hon. Doctorate from University of Mysore recently, will be honoured as a special achiever.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 02nd, 2023
Pavi Poovappa is a popular Indian fashion model who started her career in the fashion industry in 2013.
Pavi secured the first position in Riz Fashion Miss Awesome Bangalore in 2016.
Bigg Boss Kannada season 10, hosted by Kiccha Sudeep, is currently in full swing. The show has managed to capture the attention of the viewers, keeping them on the edge of their seats. The show has reached the halfway point, with exactly 50 days remaining. Meanwhile, Bigg Boss Kannada has a new twist for the viewers, where two new wild card entries are brought to the house by Avinash Shetty and Pavi Poovappa.
Today, let’s take a look at the professional and personal life of wild card entry Pavi Poovappa.
According to reports, Pavi Poovappa is a popular Indian fashion model who is known for her strong presence on social media platforms. She has walked the ramp for several prominent brands. The model is known for her style statement and her mesmerising photoshoots for different brands. She started her career in the fashion industry in 2013. Over the years, Pavi has emerged as an influential model. In 2015, she also won the title of Mr and Miss Flamingo Sandlehood Star contestant. She also secured the first position in Riz Fashion Miss Awesome Bangalore in 2016.
As a model, she also walked the ramp for numerous prestige events like Coimbatore Style Week, India Glam Fashion Week, Fermina Wedding Show, Prime Fashion Week, and Malabar Fashion Week.
She also participated in Miss Karnataka International and won the title of Miss Body Beautiful. In 2018, she appeared in the Kannada reality show Soppana Sundari, a modelling contest aired on Sun Life.
Talking about her life and family life, Pavi Poovappa hails from Kodagu, Karnataka.
She did her schooling at Lewa English High School in Bangalore. Later, she completed her graduation from Rajajainagar PU College in Rajajainagar. Her father passed away in 2006 and her mother’s name is Panikuttira Pannnamma. She also has a brother, Rakesh Poovappa. As per reports, Pavi Poovappa has been dating DJ Maddy since 2020.
On the other hand, the other wild card contestant, Avinash Shetty, is also known as Asthik Avinash Shetty. He is an actor and model, initially making his mark in Tulu cinema with the film Jai Tulunadu and later featuring in Kannada films like Power alongside Puneeth Rajkumar.
source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> Movies / by Entertainment Bureau , Local News Desk / November 28th, 2023
Hundreds of Kodava community members assembled at the Mysuru Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage yesterday evening to witness a unique tradition of Kodava Paithande Namme.
The event, organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, Madikeri and Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association, Mysuru, was inaugurated by Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) It was presided over by Biddatanda S. Thammaiah, the Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy.
In the past, Kodava society had a practice of honouring mothers who gave birth to ten or more children and they used to be respectfully adored as a great mother. Such mothers used to be honoured in a public function ‘Mangala’ (marriage ceremony) called ‘Paithandekkalapa’ or ‘Paithande Namme.’
The age-old tradition was introduced to the audience along with the rituals practiced during Paithande Namme. According to the organisers, the event was organised to recall the traditions that are rarely practiced now or are on the verge of extinction.
Apart from Paithande Namme, traditional dances including Bolakaat, Ummathat and Kathiyat were performed. The main attraction of the evening was, however, the mock show of Narimangala (wedding of a hunted tiger), a custom unique to Kodavas where the hunter of a tiger is wedded to the soul of the animal. The ritual was performed complete with traditional dresses, swords, guns, bands and other paraphernalia.
Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) is seen inaugurating Kodava ‘Paithande Namme’ at Mysuru Kodava Samaja yesterday evening along with President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah and Chairman of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Biddatanda S. Thammaiah. Others seen are (from left) former President of Mysuru Kodava Samaja Dr. Adengada A. Kuttappa, Chairman of Sree Cauvery Education Council Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s former Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement-Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh and retired Police Officer Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah.
Minority Status :
Along with these traditional performances, the event was also a platform for chief guests to speak about the welfare of Kodavas. In his inaugural address, Maj. Gen. Codanda K. Karumbaya SM (Retd.) said that the Kodava Sahitya Academy was doing good work to preserve Kodava traditions within Kodagu district and also outside.
“We Kodavas do not have facilities like reservation as we are economically and educationally forward. But it is imperative for us to obtain minority status as enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” he said and called upon the community to stay united and fight for minority status. He suggested Kodavas to have one organisation to fight for recognitions and welfare of the community.
Political Representation :
In his address, Superintendent of Police (retired), Directorate of Civil Enforcement Mysuru Aramanamada K. Suresh opined that Kodavas must have a political representation. “We are a small community and we should ensure that we have representation in the Legislative Assembly and Council. This will give the much-needed political power to the community,” he said
“As Kodavas are educationally forward, the youths must take up competitive examinations and make a place for themselves in the upper echelons of the government,” he added.
Vanishing Traditions :
Speaking on vanishing Kodava culture and traditions, Keethiyanda Kavya Kuttappa said that the unique traditional Kodava attire which people wore on all occasions earlier has become rare now. “This is because Kodavas blindly ape Western culture. Unfortunately, some Kodavas think speaking Kodava language is improper,” she said.
“Many Kodavas have migrated to cities in search of employment and they have forgotten the customs and traditions. They don’t even go to their roots in Kodagu and this is the reason why traditions are being forgotten,” she opined. In a fervent plea to parents, Kavya said that it was their responsibility to ensure that their children dress well when they attend community and public functions.
On the occasion, a book “Kodira Poomale” written by Uluvangada Cauvery Uday was released by former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna and Academy Chairman Biddatanda S. Thammaiah.
A CD that was brought out in 1985 on “Kodava Baalopaat” sung by late Napanda Thimmaiah and team from Garvale village in Kodagu was released by Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Moovera K. Kuttappa. The original CD was brought out by Thammu Poovaiah and Ambika of Nada Lahari, Madikeri.
Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy felicitated the President of Sri Bhagavathi Kodava Association Ballachanda D. Subbaiah. A book and CD sale was also organised.
Kodava MLA Candidate:
Concurring with Aramanamada K. Suresh on political representation to Kodavas, businessman and former BBMP Corporator Kaddaniyanda Harish Bopanna (in pic) regretted that Kodavas were dominated by other communities in Kodagu, their homeland. He appealed the community members to elect a Kodava candidate to the Assembly irrespective of the political party.
He also advised Kodavas not to sell their properties in Kodagu to others but instead sell them within the community if it is inevitable. He called upon them to support Kodava youth who have set up businesses in Kodagu and outside.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News /July 13th, 2017
The versatility of Indian cuisine continues to impress food enthusiasts who seek rich flavours and manage to find a range of varying flavour palettes in a single country. However, some regional cuisines are often overlooked due to the appeal of other famously adored dishes. One of them is Coorg cuisine, which has been influenced and shaped by the history, geography and culture of the people of the region. Many young chefs from Coorg are now mastering their own family recipes and sharing them with millions on social media. Here are a few homegrown chefs on our radar who are elevating and shining a spotlight on Coorg cuisine.
1. Anjali Ganapathi
A home chef who has been sharing the authentic recipes behind traditional Coorg cuisines, Anjali Ganapathi runs a small, niche catering company called Pig Out with her core team. She has always had an inclination towards exploring her roots and since a very young age learnt the art of cooking some wonderfully complex dishes. The chef presently shares her wisdom with many through her online recipes and also organises events at cooking studios and other places across the city. The customer base extends beyond native Coorgi people as Chef Anjali wishes to introduce the regional cuisine to different communities around India.
Pork dishes are easily the star of Coorg cuisine, especially if cooked in the traditional way using family recipes. The Curly Sue takeaway joint and blog is perfecting the method of these recipes and making them more accessible to everyone. They source the meat from farmers who own their own farms and use a delightfully indulgent process of slow cooking the meat for four to eight hours. The most delectable meat needs to be given its due and the chefs at Curly Sue are adamant about achieving just that as well as sharing some insight into their process of preparation.
A food blog run by chef Sitara Cariappa and her family is an ode to the Coorg people and their love for coffee brews, spirits and meat dishes, especially those made with pork. They often delve into the childhood memories that are so closely associated with the cuisine and discuss their family recipes. The page also helps the audience to gain an understanding of the local ingredients and how they can be utilised to achieve wholesome flavours. They are slowly building a community of food enthusiasts who all share a passion for learning more about the specialities of the region as well as the culture that enables its excellence.
Actress-host Shwetha Changappa is celebrating the festival of Kailpodh with her son Jiyaan Aiyappa. She shared a video on social media where she is seen dressed in a traditional Kodava-style saree and wishing the Kodava community a happy and prosperous Kailpodh.
Actress-host Shwetha Changappa is celebrating ‘Kailpodh’ with full enthusiasm. Draped in a traditional Kodava-style saree, the proud Kodavati recently took to her social media handle and shared an adorable video, where she is seen posing along with her little munchkin, Jiyaan Aiyappa.
The Kodavati’s wish
Shwetha in the video is seen wishing all the Kodava community people a very happy and a prosperous Kailpodh.
She is seen wishing in the native language and talks about the importance of celebrating the festival.
Swetha’s baby boy is also seen in the video and wishing everyone on the occasion in his cutest way possible.
The Kailpodh festival
For the uninitiated, September 3rd marks the festival of Kailpodh, in Coorg. While in Kodagu the festival is celebrated on different days, elsewhere Kail-Podh is observed at homes on the third of September.
The Kail Podh day begins with the youngsters touching the feet of their parents.
Traditional and household weapons, such as guns, war knives, swords, spears, bows, and arrows, are cleaned and placed near the thook bolcha (hanging prayer lamp) in the house.
On a work front Swetha Changappa is currently seen hosting kids-based reality game show, Chota Champion, which returned to the Kannada small screens after a long gap.
The doting mommy
Talking about Swetha’s three-year-old son, Jiyaan has indeed become the latest sensation. The baby is quite popular on social media as mommy Swetha’s Instagram handle is filled with videos and pictures of Jiyaan. The actress indeed seems to be enjoying her motherhood to the fullest.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> TV> Kannada / etimes.in / September 03rd, 2023
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