Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Winners Revealed at the 5th World Coffee Conference 2023: Coffee Championships Attracting Enthusiastic Youth Participation

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Barista Championship (wef. July 28th, 2022), Coffee News, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion

Mumbai / Bengaluru:

The International Coffee Organization, in partnership with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the Government of Karnataka, and the coffee industry, announced the National Latte Art, Barista, Filter Coffee, Women’s Star Brewer and Fine Cup Award Championships on the last day of the 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 at Bengaluru Palace.

WCC 2023 hosted competitions and championships during the 4-day event the most coveted of which is the National Barista Championship. The prestigious competition is designed to recognize the most technically proficient and talented baristas in the field. It is dedicated to promoting excellence throughout the entire coffee value chain, fostering skill development, and cultivating a thriving café culture in India. The winner will represent India in The World Barista Championship to be held in South Korea, and a cash prize was also awarded. Mr. Hrishikesh Mohite from Café’ De Meet won the National Barista Championship 2024 at the WCC 2023.

At the Women’s Star Brewer Skills Championship, female baristas and home brewers were offered a platform to proudly display their coffee brewing prowess, demonstrating their skills. Participants were allowed to craft a ‘Signature Beverage’ utilizing home brewing equipment. The Women’s Star Brewer Skills Championship is awarded to Priti Pradhan.

The National Latte Art Championship made its debut in India, bringing an exciting blend of artistic expression and barista skills to the forefront. This unique competition challenges baristas with on-the-spot performances that showcase their creativity and precision. From over 150 contestants, Mr. Mohammad Afsar was awarded as the champion who will now participate in the International Latte Art Championship in Taiwan.

The Great Indian Filter Coffee Championship is a celebration of traditional Indian coffee craftsmanship, designed to promote and nurture the art of brewing the quintessential Filter Coffee. From 27 participants went head-to-head Vani Shree N from Brown Bean Artistry was declared the winner.

1758 contestants participated in the ‘Flavour of India – The Fine Cup Award Cupping Competition’ which was on a mission to award the production of high-quality coffees in India.

-The winner of Best Washed Arabica is awarded to Mrs. Killo Aswini

–Best Arabica Naturals is awarded to M/s. Kruthi Coffee, Kindriguda Tribal Farmers Group

–Best Washed Robusta is awarded to Mr. Jacob Mammen, M/s Badra Estate Balehonnur Estate

–Best Robusta Naturals is awarded to Mr. Jacob Mammen M/s. Badra Balehonnur Estate.

The 4-day international event featured Conferences, Skill Building Workshops, a Growers Conclave, CEOs and global Leaders Forums, Startup Conclave, Competitions, and awards, and an Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge coffee products and services.

source: http://www.apnnews.com / APN News / Home> Youth / October 02nd, 2023

Nidhi Subbaiah Adds Glitz To ‘Manasayana-2023’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , ,

Mysore/Mysuru:

Sandalwood actress Nidhi Subbaiah added glitz and glamour to ‘Manasayana- 2023’, a cultural festival organised by University of Mysore Vidyarthi Okkoota in Manasagangothri campus here recently.

The students of various Departments showcased their talents in cultural programmes, as the fellow students among the audience, went gaga, shaking their legs to the foot tapping music, soaking in joy in the evening filled with music.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Nidhi Subbaiah said “I am reminded of my college days, as I studied in Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) near the same campus. I was very lucky to pursue education in Mysuru.”

“Mysuru is the best city. Like you, I was also enjoying the cultural programmes during my student days. I am filled with energy upon seeing your love and affection. Watch my movies and support me,” said Nidhi Subbaiah.

Asking the audience whether they want to be regaled with a film dialogue, Nidhi recalled the famous lines “Nimmannella Uddara Maduvudu Bittu Nangen Bere Kelsa Ilva. Gand Maklu Sahavasa Hagalella Upavasa” from her runaway hit movie Pancharangi, to the applause of the gathering.

Managing Director of Neurozone – Brain and Spine Care Dr. H.V. Shushrutha Gowda said “University of Mysore is one of the prestigious Universities and the alumni have been serving as doctors and scientists, besides decorating many top positions. Even my father Dr. H. C. Vishnumurthy studied in the same Varsity and founded the Gopala Gowda Shanthaveri Memorial Hospital 45 years ago. Our hospital has been catering to patients from rural areas to provide health service on priority.”

Dr. Shushrutha said, “I was in USA for a few years, where I had my higher education and returned to the country. The Super Speciality services were not easily available for rural people then, which pained me. To address the gap, I conducted 40 free health check-up camps to provide health services at the doorsteps of the people and also gave free super speciality services to about 10,000 people.”

Gundlupet MLA H.M. Ganesh Prasad said “One should put efforts at the student level to gain knowledge and education.”

A music album titled ‘Vishwa-guru Anna Basavanna’ of Girish Bendaravadi was also released on the occasion.

Former Syndicate Member of UoM Kumar, leader Harish Moganna, programme organiser Abhishek Palegar and Kaviraj were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 29th, 2023

Capturing customs & traditions of the Kodava

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,
Poster from the film Kodavas.
Poster from the film Kodavas.

The film, which begins with a narration, might come across more like a movie than a documentary, and Karumbaiah says it was a deliberate effort.

Bengaluru : 

Thashwini Karumbaiah’s documentary film Kodavas – The Highlanders is a deep insight into the rich culture and heritage of Kodavas, renowned as a warrior clan. Hailing from the same community, the filmmaker wanted to document it in some way. 

As a passion project, the film took more than two years to be made. “When the British came, they changed the name to Coorg, it is actually Kodagu,” says Karumbaiah adding, “As a Kodavati, I wanted to preserve our culture and attire and thought the best way to document all of it was in the form of a film.” 

The film, which begins with a narration, might come across more like a movie than a documentary, and Karumbaiah says it was a deliberate effort. “I wanted to experiment with the documentary. Usually, documentaries are shot in a very different way but I come from a background where we do films and serials, so I wanted to make it cinematic. At one glance, people might feel there is a story behind every chapter. But it is a documentary,” says Karumbaiah about the film that was co-produced by Vaishno Studios. 

Hailing from Kodagu, Karumbaiah has heard many stories in the family about the community.

However, the research for the film helped her discover many things that she had not known. “For example, when we started talking about battles that happened in Kodagu, we realised that a lot of them have gone unnoticed. It’s only orally been passed down from the older generations. We came across some of these stories which were interesting,” she adds.

Although the film started as a passion project with no commercial idea in mind, Karumbaiah is hoping to screen it at an international film festival next year.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Monika Monalisa, Express News Service / September 20th, 2023

‘Kail Muhurtha’ At Kodagu Gowda Samaja On Sept. 17

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , ,

The Mysuru Kodagu Gowda Samaja will be celebrating ‘Kail Muhurtha’ get-together at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar II Stage at 9.30 am on Sept.17.

Traditional Ayudha Puja will be held and it will be followed by cultural programmes.  

On the occasion, meritorious children of the Samaja members who have scored high marks in SSLC and PUC (2022-23) and achievers from various fields will be felicitated. Also prizes will be given to the winners of various sports events.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja President Thotambylaya E. Manohar will be preside.

Kodagu Gowda Vidya Sangha – Madikeri President Ambekallu Naveen Kushalappa, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, MLA K. Harishgowda, former MLAs Vasu and L. Nagendra, Corporator K.V. Sridhar will be present on the occasion, according to press release from the Samaja Hon. Secretary.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / September 15th, 2023

Get Kaveri Teertha now through India Post

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All

By paying the amount through e-payment at any post office, devotees can receive e-prasada at their doorsteps.

Post offices in Karnataka. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Post offices in Karnataka. (Photo | Special Arrangement)

DAVANGERE: People need not rush to Talakaveri on the “Tula Sankramana” day to get the Kaveri Theerthodbhava, the gushing of Cauvery water from ‘Brahma Kundike’ at Talacauvery. India Post in association with the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department will be delivering the ‘Sri Talakaveri Temple Prasada,’ at your doorsteps through the post at just Rs 300.

By paying the amount through e-payment at any post office, devotees can receive e-prasada at their doorsteps. The prasadam is handed over to any of the remotest houses through the branch post office network of India Post.

Speaking to TNIE Superintendent of the Post offices Davanagere division, Chandrashekhar said, “Under the diversified business undertaken by the India Post, we are supplying the prasad to the devotees’ doorsteps. Understanding the importance of the auspicious ‘Tula Sankramana’, India Post has taken the initiative of supplying Kaveri Teertha to the devotees,” he added.

Further, he said that the devotees need to come to the nearest sub-post offices or Davanagere head post office for booking for the E-prasada after which our postmen will deliver the Prasad to their homes.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by G. Subhash Chandra / Express News Service / September 15th, 2023

69 stone slab inscriptions discovered in Kodagu

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

According to an estimate, all the discovered inscriptions belong to a timeline of 7th century AD – 18th century AD.

69 stone slab inscriptions discovered in Kodagu
A heroic stone in broken condition, was discovered in Chikka Aluvara village of Kushalnagar taluk. Credit: DH Photo

The Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage has discovered 69 new stone slab inscriptions in Madikeri, Kushalnagar and Somwarpet taluks. The work on the transcription of the text is in progress. 

Somwarpet tops the list with 34 stone slab inscriptions, followed by Kushalnagar with 18 slabs and Madikeri with 17.

Since these stone slab inscriptions have not been documented to date, they are considered rare. 

According to an estimate, all the discovered inscriptions belong to a timeline of 7th century AD – 18th century AD.

During the course of the survey, the department has also found other stone slab inscriptions which have been documented in its publications earlier. Rekha, the curator in the department, has visited 406 villages from 2020 till date,  discovering 69 stone slabs in the process.

During the period, apart from the stone slab inscriptions, she found other monuments dating back to the period of the Stone Age.

She said the newly discovered stone slab inscriptions were found during the village-wise survey work. The inscriptions are being studied by scholar H M Nagaraj of Mysuru, with the transcription to be available soon.

She meanwhile stressed the need to preserve the palaces in Kanthuru and Aikola, the Mahavishnu temples in Kaggodlu and Singatturu, Ishwara temple in Kundacheri, Neelyatu Sarthavu temple in Kokeri, Sri Durga Bhagavathi temple in Bavali and Sri Vishnu temple in Kuyyangeri, among the 175 memorials in Kodagu district.

Rekha said the 12 ‘heroic stones’ (Veeragallu), 11 ‘Sati’ stones, 21 ‘kole’ stones are peculiar to the region. She added that five other stone sculptures discovered in Kushalnagar taluk are in need of protection.

As many as 246 ‘kole’ stones are found in Somwarpet taluk. The monuments in the 15 villages of the taluk are vulnerable to danger, she wrote in a report submitted to the government.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by K S Girish / September 14th, 2023

Get-Together Of Kodava Welfare Association

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Mysore/Mysuru:

The 21st Annual Get-together and Annual Meeting of Ramakrishnanagar I Block Kodava Welfare Association was held recently under the Chairmanship of Kodandera Pushpa Machaiah at The Roost Hotel in city.

On the occasion, the Association felicitated Poodrimada Somaiah, Retd. Captain, Indian Army, in recognition of his service to the nation and Kattera A. Nanaiah, Retd. Professor and one of the Founder-Members-cum-Advisor of the Association, for environment conservation and his service in many organisations while Mr. & Mrs. Chodumada Appaiah were feted for their social service.

Top scorers in various degree examinations were given cash prizes.

Mundiyolanda Nanda rendered the invocation. Association Secretary Kenjangada Kariappa welcomed. Maletira Ganapathy, Vice-President, proposed a vote of thanks. Codanda Swagath, Joint Secretary and all other Committee Members were present at the  programme compered by Kotrangada Shruthy Ashwath.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 14th, 2023

The wedding looked like a dream wonderland: Bhuvann Ponnannaa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A look into actors Bhuvann Ponnannaa and Harshika Poonacha’s Kodava-style wedding in Coorg

Actors Bhuvann Ponnnannaa and Harshika Poonacha at their wedding in Coorg on August 24(Instagram)
Actors Bhuvann Ponnnannaa and Harshika Poonacha at their wedding in Coorg on August 24(Instagram)

Long-time sweethearts, actors Bhuvann Ponnannaa and Harshika Poonacha , tied the knot on August 24 in a traditional Kodava ceremony in Coorg. Since the big day, the couple has been on the move, shares Ponnannaa. “We are in the USA right now, before which we were in Mexico. We had to rush to the States immediately after our wedding because our friend was getting married. Since the night of our wedding, we have been country-hopping and are yet to complete all the rituals, so our parents are mad at us!” he quips.

Talking about the wedding, Ponnannaa recalls the stress that came with planning out the big day. “We got really held up in the last-moment invites as well, so there was literally no time to plan. Our parents and a couple of our friends took up various responsibilities leading to the big day,” he shares, adding that the completion of the construction of his farmhouse in Coorg also had him stressed. “The interiors of our new apartment in Bengaluru were also being done and I was trying to get our new car delivered before the wedding. Along with that, we were trying to manage our work,” the actor exclaims.

Ask him how it was on the big day itself, and the Randhawa (2019) actor tells us, “I reached Coorg from Bengaluru at 7am. I checked all the venue arrangements and by the time I wanted to get some sleep, the festivities had started. So, I meditated for a bit and left. When I reached the venue and saw the whole place all decked up, like a dream wonderland, it made all the hard work just so worth it.”

Telling us about the traditional Kodava-style wedding, the 33-year-old says, “Kodava weddings are very unique, so we could not plan too many extra functions because there already were a lot of rituals to complete from morning until midnight. But we were very particular about the food — it had to be traditional along with a couple of our favourites, like fresh mango curry in jaggery sauce, mutton keema, ghee ragi dosa, noolputtu and koli curry, Coorg-style liver fry, chicken ghee roast and mutton biryani!”

Looking forward to married life, Ponnannaa says nothing much is expected to change in the couple’s equation. “But of course we will work harder together for ourselves. Harshika is also going to be the producer for my next film,” the actor says, adding they are yet to decide on their honeymoon.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Htcity> Cinema / by Aayushi Parekh / September 12th, 2023

Athur Village in Coorg : A Mini Nursery of Kodava Writers in English

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A land known as the nursery of Indian Hockey, Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka State has been a cradle for sports and Army.

However, located down south of Kodagu, Athur village near Gonikoppal town has been a mini nursery for writers! The village is home to four popular writers in English – C.P Belliappa and his sister, Kaveri Nambisan, P.T. Bopanna and his son Devaiah Bopanna.


It does look like Athur village has given birth to these Kodavas with a talent to be ‘pen-tastic’ not just at an amateur level, but at a professional one.


Growing up, I listened to stories of Princess Victoria Gowramma and Narimangala. My childhood days spun into a web of stories from different Kodava writers narrated to me by my mother. Sometimes, with a tale of a tiger’s tail by C.P. Belliappa.


As a teenager, I pondered over P.T Bopanna’s question, “Are Kodavas Hindus?” and sneaked a laugh at (AIB) All India Bakchod’s comic stories whose head writer was Devaiah Bopanna.


Chepudira P. Belliappa or popularly called as C.P Belliappa pursued a career in engineering. However, settling down in Coorg as a planter, he has been promoting technical education in Coorg. He has also penned many articles and is famous for his books, “Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg”, “Nuggets from Coorg History”, “Tale of a Tiger’s Tail and other Yarns from Coorg.”

His sister, Kaveri Nambisan has a unique style of writing. Her popular books like “The Scent of Pepper” can take you on a ride to Scotland of India, Kodagu with vibes of ethnicity. Her other books like “Mango-Coloured Fish” and “The Hills of Angheri” showcase stories derived from personal experiences. She is a doctor by profession. Kaveri started off as a writer for children’s magazines. She was recognized as the Coorg Person of the Year in 2005.


A leading author and a journalist, Palanganda T. Bopanna has been writing books about Kodavas and Kodagu. He has promoted several websites, including coorgnews.in, dedicated to Kodagu news. Bopanna is a recipient of the Gourmand international award for his book ‘The Romance of Indian Coffee.’


His son, Devaiah Bopanna, has co-founded a media company called ‘All Things Small’ which concentrates on writing true stories by giving a unique, modern touch to journalism. A Mumbai-based writer, Devaiah adds a tinge of comical approach to his writings.

These writers have touched many hearts with their writings. The root to their writing stems from Athur village and it is my dear hope that more writing talents mushroom from the Kodava land.

source: http://www.medium.com / Medium / Home / by Shrividya Somanna / February 05th, 2021

Jayalakshmi Kodava Association Felicitates MLA A.S. Ponnanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Annual get-together event honours two accomplished authors, student achievers from the community

Mysore/Mysuru:

The 18th annual get-together of the Jayalakshmi Kodava Association was held recently at the Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru. Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna was the chief guest.

MLA Ponnanna was honoured with a custom-made marquetry art piece depicting Talacauvery, the birthplace of River Cauvery. Accepting the felicitation, Ponnanna spoke at length about the challenges in Kodagu and his plans for resolving them through active intervention and cooperation from all Kodavas and the people of his Constituency.

The event began with an invocation by Pandiyanda Anil Cariappa. President Ballyanda Uthappa extended a warm welcome to all attendees and presided over the event. During the ceremony, the Association paid their respects to two departed members. They also introduced new members who joined the Association between Aug. 14, 2022 and Aug. 27, 2023.

In a significant decision, the previous year’s committee will continue to function for the years 2023-2024, with Ballyanda P. Uthappa as President, Pandiyanda Girish as Vice-President, Jammada Ganesh Ayanna as Secretary and Mukkatira A. Somaiah as Treasurer.

Two accomplished authors within the community were honoured. Dr. Latha Muthanna received recognition for her third book, ‘The Jail and Other Tales,’ while Dr. Geetha Cariappa Chonira was applauded for her second English storybook ‘Girl with the Diary’ (A Tale from Kodagu).

The achievements of young members were also celebrated. Mukkatira Dia Ponnappa, daughter of Dr. Avinash Ponnappa and Nisha, an 8th-grade student, was acknowledged for her selection to participate in a week-long international debate workshop at Cornell University, New York. The workshop aims to refine oratory skills.

Another young talent, M.J. Devanshi, daughter of Mallangada N. Jayprakash and Swetha, a 7th-grade student, was recognised for her accomplishments in air rifle shooting competitions.

President Ballyanda Uthappa discussed various issues for the betterment of the Association and encouraged members to actively participate, both during good and challenging times. Treasurer Mukkatira Somaiah presented the accounts for the year 2022-2023, which were approved by the general body.

Jammada Ganesh Ayanna introduced the MLA. The event was conducted by Mukkatira Somaiah, with assistance from Codanda Chitra Medappa. A vote of thanks was proposed by Pandiyanda U. Girish. The programme ended with a sumptuous Kodava traditional dinner, fostering wonderful fellowship among all attendees.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 03rd, 2023