Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Tales of the Coast in the Capital

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021),

Chef Naren Thimmaiah brings the flavours of Karavalli to Varq, a pioneer of award-winning modern Indian fine-dining

The timeless Taj Mahal, New Delhi and its award winning restaurant Varq proudly welcomed the culinary legend of the south – Karavalli from Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road. This year, as Varq embarks on its 15th year anniversary voyage, it will feature unique gastronomic pop-ups, new innovations and reinvented concepts in the year ahead.

Varq, symbolic of preciousness, luxury and elegance, is the birth place of modern Indian cuisine in the Capital. Karavalli’s voyage to Varq, was the perfect marriage of authentic Indian south-west coastal cuisine with contemporary flair and artistic presentation. The unique pop-up presented an exquisite experience wherein culinary legend Chef Naren Thimmaiah, from Karavalli, showcased a special coastal menu celebrating authentic flavours and treasured recipes.

The uniquely curated presentation included dishes like Malabar Prawn Roast, Meen Porichathu (Shallow Fried Black Pomfret), Calamari Fry, Attirachy Ularthu (Lamb Roast) Chattambade (Fried Lentil Patties), Patrade (Colocasia Leaf Roll), Chevod Balchao (Lobster in Pickled Spice), Alappuzha Meen Curry (Alleppy Fish Curry), Pachakkari Stew (Vegetable Stew), Kashi Halwa (Ah Gourd Pudding) and Ragi Manni (Finger Millet Pudding).

Celebrated Chef Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, Vivanta Bengaluru, Residency Road said, “I am delighted to return to the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi and its renowned restaurant Varq. Karavalli’s coastal delicacies have made their way into the heart of the South and we can’t wait to share our passion with patrons of Delhi-NCR. We take pride in our authenticity, the promise of quality and the connection with our roots. With the capital’s bustling culture of food, there couldn’t have been a better place than Varq, the birth place of modern Indian cuisine in New Delhi, to showcase our special Karavalli culinary art.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Director of Culinary Operations at Taj Mahal, New Delhi said, “We have been committed to offering immersive dining experiences to our patrons. Varq has been the one stop dining destination for celebrating the unique flavours of India, pop-ups by Michelin Starred Chefs from around the globe and for curating culinary art and innovation. Chef Naren Thimmaiah is a legend in the epicurean world and we are humbled to welcome him once again at Varq.  The confluence of Karavalli and Varq will present a tantalizing experience of exotic coastal recipes combined with fine dining with art.”

 Chef Naren Thimmaiah has been the face of the iconic Karavalli for over two decades. He holds the distinction of participating in the World Gourmet Summit held at Singapore in the year 2005. In February 2009, at the Government of India, National Tourism awards held at New Delhi, Naren Thimmaiah was adjudged as the Best Chef of India. Economic Times rated Chef Naren Thimmaiah among Top 10 Chefs of India – 5th place. December 2018, Times Food & Nightlife Awards – Chef Naren Thimmaiah was awarded Chef of the Year.  In August 2019, at the Eazydiner Awards, Naren Thimmaiah was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award. In March 2022, he was recognized among the Top 10 Chefs in India by Culinary Culture.

source: http://www.bwhotelier.businessworld.in / BWHotelier.com / Home / by BW Online Bureau / March 27th, 2023

Get E-Prasad From Bhagandeshwara, Talacauvery Temples In Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Madikeri:

An e-Prasad initiative has been launched at Sri Bhagandeshwara and Talacauvery Temples that are run by the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment (Muzrai) Department.

The Department has tied up with India Post for delivering the prasad from the temples to the devotees. Kodagu Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish gave a start to the initiative yesterday.

The prasadam box contains 100 ml Theertha (holy water) from the Talacauvery Brahmakundike (holy pond), Panchakajjaya from Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple in Bhagamandala, Kumkum and sandalwood paste. 

Devotees can book the prasad on India post website www.indiapost.gov.in or by calling the toll-free number 18002666868. e-Prasad costs Rs. 300. If paid, the e-prasad will be delivered to the doorstep by post and the facility is available all over India.

The prasadam box will be delivered within four to five days of the money being paid. However, the facility is not open for devotees abroad and will be open for devotees who cannot make it to the Temples.

Steps will be taken to increase prasad distribution after devotees’ response, the DC said. Additional DC and Bhagamandala Sri Bhagandeshwara and Talacauvery Temple Administrator Dr. Nanjundegowda, Post Office Manager Ramesh Babu, Temple Executive Officer M.S. Dore, Temple Paarupathegara K.T. Ponnanna were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 07th, 2023

Tracing The Roots Of Kodagu Wedding Cuisine

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The use of coconut, curry leaves, and tamarind is prevalent in Kodagu cuisine, giving it a tangy and flavorful taste. The dishes are usually spicy, but the heat is balanced with the use of coconut milk and other ingredients.

Tracing The Roots Of Kodagu Wedding Cuisine

India has many unique culinary traditions from different cultures. One such culture that is fascinating is that of Kodagu, a small district nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Kodagu is a land of lush green forests, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls, but what sets it apart is its rich and diverse cuisine, especially the wedding cuisine.

Introduction to Kodagu and its wedding cuisine

Kodagu, also known as Coorg, is a district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The district is known for its unique culture, traditions, and cuisine. The Kodava people, the native inhabitants of Kodagu, have a rich history and a unique way of life that has evolved over centuries. One of the most significant aspects of Kodava culture is their weddings, which are elaborate affairs that involve a lot of rituals and customs, including an elaborate wedding feast.

The significance of pigs in Kodagu weddings

Pigs are considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and they play a significant role in Kodava weddings. In fact, the wedding feast is incomplete without a pig roast. The pig is not only the star attraction of the feast but also an essential part of the wedding rituals.

The preparation of the pig for the feast

The preparation of the pig for the feast is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of effort and skill. The pig is first caught and then taken to the groom’s house, where it is cleaned and prepared for the feast. The pig is then marinated with a special mix of spices and herbs and roasted over an open fire for several hours until it is cooked to perfection. The result is a succulent and flavorful dish that is the highlight of the wedding feast.

The traditional Kodagu wedding feast

The traditional Kodagu wedding feast is a grand affair that involves several courses, each with a unique flavor and aroma. The feast usually starts with a welcome drink, followed by the main course, which includes rice, sambar, and a variety of side dishes. The pig roast is the star attraction of the feast and is served with a special gravy and a variety of chutneys. The feast also includes a variety of desserts, including payasam and holige.

The flavors of Kodagu wedding cuisine

The flavors of Kodagu wedding cuisine are unique and distinctive. The cuisine is a blend of different spices and herbs that are locally sourced and handpicked. The use of coconut, curry leaves, and tamarind is prevalent in Kodagu cuisine, giving it a tangy and flavorful taste. The dishes are usually spicy, but the heat is balanced with the use of coconut milk and other ingredients.

The evolution of Kodagu wedding cuisine over the years

Kodagu wedding cuisine has evolved over the years, with new dishes and flavors being added to the traditional menu. The modern Kodagu wedding menu also shows the influence of other cuisines, like North Indian and Chinese. However, the traditional dishes and flavors still hold a special place in the Kodava culture and are an essential part of their identity.

The modern-day Kodagu wedding menu

The menu for a modern Kodagu wedding includes dishes that are both traditional and new. Some of the popular dishes include pandi curry (pork curry), kadambuttu (rice balls), and nati koli saaru (country-style chicken curry). The use of exotic ingredients such as bamboo shoots and wild mushrooms has also become popular in recent years.

Unique Kodagu wedding recipes to try

If you want to try some unique Kodagu wedding dishes, here are some must-try options:

•    Koli Barthad: A spicy and tangy chicken dish that is slow-cooked with a special blend of spices and herbs, resulting in a delicious and savory dish.

•    Baimbale Curry: A flavorful vegetarian dish that is made with bamboo shoots and coconut This is also a popular dish eaten on special occasions.

•    Pandi Curry: A spicy and aromatic pork curry that is slow-cooked to perfection. It is a dish fit for royalty and is served at special occasions and weddings.

Kodagu wedding cuisine is a unique and flavorful culinary experience that is a must-try for food lovers. The cuisine is a blend of different spices and herbs that are locally sourced and handpicked, giving it a distinct taste and aroma. Pigs play a special part in Kodava weddings, and they help make the elaborate feast stand out. If you want to experience the rich and diverse culture of Kodagu, you must try their wedding cuisine.

source: http://www.slurrp.com / Slurrp / Home> Article / by Slurrp Editorial / March 28th, 2023

The Kodava hockey festival: What you shouldn’t miss in Kodagu this summer

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

The Kodava hockey festival is a vibrant, month-long celebration held between March and April. The festival exudes the ambience and excitement of a mela with its draped festoons, welcome arches, and numerous stalls.

Come summer, and it’s hockey festival time in Kodagu. When schools close for summer vacation and coffee plantations take a break, Kodava families from around the world head home to participate in the Kodava Hockey Namme (festival) held in Kodagu (Coorg). It is time for Kodavas to battle with their hockey sticks at this tournament held in their home turf. With hundreds of families participating, the tournament is recognized as one of the largest field hockey tournaments in the world and finds a mention in the Limca Book of Records.

The Kodava hockey festival is a vibrant, month-long celebration held between March and April. The festival exudes the ambience and excitement of a mela with its draped festoons, welcome arches, and numerous stalls selling everything from automobiles to food. It is also an occasion for the Kodavas to dress up in traditional attire and participate in the procession and cultural programmes. Dancing and music add to the fun and frolic. One has to be here during the festival to experience the fierce pride of Kodavas in their glorious heritage, which they jealously guard.

Procession of Kodava women in their traditional attire

The genesis of the hockey festival can be traced back to 1997. It was the brainchild of late Pandanda Kuttappa, a former banker and State league referee. He is said to have conceptualised the festival after realising the deterioration in the standards of hockey played in the district. He hit upon the idea for a tournament among the families in order to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport. 

The first editions of the festival were held in the village of Karada with 60 families competing. The festival has no permanent venue, something organisers are striving to achieve, and the festival has been held across the district in previous years.

Kodava children flaunt their traditional dress

The tournament started with the dual purpose of paying rich tribute to the sport in the region, and bringing together players in thousands in order to identify the best talents for the country. Over the years, more than 50 Kodavas have represented India in international hockey, earning their district the title of ‘Cradle of Indian hockey’. Hockey is to Kodagu what cricket is to India. It is common to find hockey sticks in every home. 

This annual festival is hosted by a different family each year and will be known by the name of the host family. A family may not host the event more than once. Families apply to the Kodava Hockey Academy expressing interest and are allotted the tournament after evaluation. In a lifetime, a Kodava will only get to see their family host the cup once. For the 800-odd families in Kodagu, it has become a matter of pride and honour to host this iconic tournament. This is one of the reasons why family members from far and near take leave and arrive in droves to participate in the much- awaited festival games. 

Appachettolanda, the host family of the 23rd edition of the Kodava Hockey Festival

The hockey festival has accomplished what perhaps nothing else could have — uniting distant families. It is the time for annual family reunions in their ancestral homes. What makes this festival distinctive is that it remains a family-oriented event, which has morphed into a major sporting event and festival in the country. Besides uniting warring relatives and families torn by strife, the hockey event is also a platform for community members to discuss and transact trade and business, besides scouting for marital alliances. 

After a hiatus of four years due to floods and the pandemic, this year the hockey festival kickstarted with renewed vigour and energy. “This year (the 23rd edition)  the Appachettolanda family is organising the event under the aegis of Kodava Hockey Academy. The festival is held at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crores, raised through contributions from the families, a grant from the Karnataka Government, and through sponsorships. More than 350 teams will participate in the festival this time. While the winning team will be given a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh, the runner-up will get Rs 2 lakh, and the teams that came third and fourth will get Rs 1 lakh each,” said Manu Muthappa, convener, Appachettolanda Hockey Festival.

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An interesting feature of the festival is that both men women take part in the matches and there is no restriction on age. The only rule for forming a team is that all members must be from the same family and can include children and grown-ups from both genders. Young boys and girls, fathers, mothers, uncles, professionals, and even former Olympian heroes are all players. The women have the choice of playing for their in-laws’ team or their parents’ team. There have been instances when three generations of players have played together in a single match.

The festival is also ideal for talent spotting. Sometimes, officials from the Sports Authority of India arrive here to select players who are then offered training and equipment. Some of them have gone on to become state and national players. Plans are afoot to set up a hockey stadium to offer more facilities to budding players from the district. It is heartening that there is a growing interest among the younger generation in the hockey festival. But there is a need for more stadiums and turfs to facilitate more players to practise regularly.

Schedule of the hockey festival: General Thimmaiah Stadium, Napoklu, from March 18 to April 10. 

Misty Woods Resort is an ideal place to stay to cover the hockey festival as it is within driving distance from the venue.

All pics by Susheela Nair. 

Susheela Nair is an independent food, travel and lifestyle writer and photographer contributing articles, content and images to several national publications besides organising seminars and photo exhibitions. Her writings span a wide spectrum which also includes travel portals and guide books, brochures and coffee table books.

source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> Features> Sports & Culture / by Susheela Nair / March 27th, 2023

Harangi to get Karnataka’s first biodiversity park

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Madikeri:

The work to develop the first biodiversity park of the state was launched in Harangi, by laying the foundation stone on Friday.

Legislator Appachu Ranjan, who conducted the ‘bhoomipooja’ for the biodiversity park work, said, “India is the biggest exporter of medicinal herbs. The new park will help us.”

He said that a medicinal herbal park will also be opened in Bhagamandala soon.

“Medicinal plants are needed to cure diseases. Also, the environment will be healthy if there is enough greenery,” he pointed out.

Karnataka Biodiversity Board chairperson Napanda Ravi Kalappa, who presided over the ceremony in Harangi, said that a master plan of building a model medicinal garden in the district was readied by the Board. The park is also being launch to conserve the richness of the flora of Kodagu, he added.

“The Karnataka Biodiversity Board intends to establish similar parks in every panchayat of Kodagu. The Coorg Mandarin used to be an exclusive plant to Kodagu, but is virtually not to be found anywhere now. Research is now being conducted to promote this species,” Kalappa said.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / March 18th, 2023

CM assures Kodagu a place on the international tourism map

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Projects totalling Rs 2000 crore were inaugurated by the CM at a ceremony in Madikeri, which was attended by beneficiaries of the district. 

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. (Photo | Express)
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

“Kodagu will be included in the international tourism map and plans are in place to ensure the same,” said Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai in Madikeri. He declared to extend free electricity to the irrigation pump sets, of up to 10 HP, installed across coffee estates in Kodagu.

Inaugurating various projects at a ceremony in Gandhi Maidan, he said, “Rs 100 crore has been released to the district under a special package in the state budget. Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the Kodava-speaking community. The state has also granted seven acres of land to the Kodava community in Bengaluru.” Projects totalling Rs 2000 crore were inaugurated at the ceremony which was attended by beneficiaries of the district. 

The Chief Minister said that plans are being laid out to put Kodagu on the international tourism maps. “A plan similar to Mysuru Tourism Circuit will take shape in Kodagu shortly,” he confirmed. 

He opined that the district has received increased funds from the central and state governments. “This year, Rs 132 crore has been released as compensation amount to the farmers of Kodagu,” he said. He explained that the state government is working towards the overall development of all the communities. 

“Various schemes including the Kisan Samman Yojana have recorded successful implementation. Scholarships have been released to the children of the farmers, who are the nation’s strength. The work of the BJP government is speaking for itself,” he said. 

He explained the various projects aimed at empowering women and called the guarantee card scheme of the Congress a bluff. “One can cheat someone a few times. But they cannot cheat people all the time. The guarantee card is bogus and is similar to a visiting card,” he mocked.

Handing over cheques to a few beneficiaries of the government schemes at the ceremony, he sought the support of the people for the BJP.   

While the congregation with the beneficiaries had to be inaugurated by CM at 11.30 am on Saturday, the same was delayed as Bommai arrived in the district by 3.00 pm. He, however, apologised stating that the visit was delayed due to the ongoing PUC examination at the college located close to the function venue.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / March 18th, 2023

Kodava Development Corporation Soon: CM

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Bommai inaugurates Appachattolanda Cup Kodava Hockey Festival at Napoklu

Madikeri:

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that Kodava Development Corporation, a long-pending demand of the people of the district, will be a reality soon.

“I will issue an order on the setting up of the Kodava Development Corporation at the earliest,” he said after inaugurating the Kodava family hockey tournament hosted by the Appachattolanda family at General Thimayya Stadium in Cheriyaparambu of Napoklu last evening.

“Kodavas are physically strong and protect the nation. The Government is committed to the welfare and growth of the Kodava community and the Kodava Community Development Corporation that will strive exclusively for the overall development of the unique Kodava community has been a long-pending demand from the community and steps would be taken to realise it,” he added.

Picture shows former Indian Team hockey coaches M.P. Ganesh and A.B. Subbaiah greeting the players.

Heaping praises on the concept of a family hockey tournament, the CM said that the concept is wonderful and unique and brings Kodava families under one roof. “Kodava families are well-knit families. At a time when relationships are waning, the tourney has helped bring together families. Families should be united and relationships should bring together the people,” he said. “This is a special tournament as it is organised by the Kodava families. These families enjoy a good relationship, and family bond and the heritage of the Kodava community is being promoted through the game of hockey. The culture, tradition, and practices of the Kodavas unite all. Their attire and food are special,” he added.

“It is happy to note that this tournament is going on for the last 23 years. Families must unite and relationships must prosper. This is the culture of India. This kind of tournament is not seen anywhere in the world. Hence, the State Government has released Rs. 1 crore for the tournament,” Bommai said.

The hockey festival is being held from Mar. 18 to Apr. 9 on three grounds and a record 336 families or teams have registered for it. This is the 23rd edition of the event which had a four-year break from 2018 onwards owing to natural calamities in the district followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the tournament began with a grand procession. Besides this year’s participants, the family teams which have participated in the tournament in the previous years also took part in the procession. Heads of the family teams gave the green signal for the hockey festival by firing 23 rounds of gunshots in the air.

The idea of a family tournament to bring together different Kodava families was conceived by the late Pandanda Kuttappa, popular as Kuttani, and the first edition was held in 1997 and has since then grown into a major event. The first exhibition match was held between the 37th Coorg Field Regiment and Kodava Academy-11. The second exhibition match was held between Indian Junior Hockey team and Karnataka team consisting of Olympian players from Kodagu.

The CM was felicitated by handing over a silver hockey stick and silver ‘odikathi’ on the occasion. Bommai was dressed in Kodava attire, complete with ‘Kupiya-chele’, ‘peechekathi’ and ‘mandethuni’. Several cultural programmes were performed.

Minister S.T. Somashekar, MLAs K.G. Bopaiah, Appachu Ranjan, MP Pratap Simha, MLC Suja Kushalappa, former MLC Veena Achaiah, DC Dr. B.C. Satish, SP Ramarajan, ZP CEO Akash, ADC Nanjundegowda, CCF B. Niranjan Murthy, Kodava Hockey Academy Director Cheeyanda Satya, Hockey Festival Convener Appachattolanda Manu Muthappa, Appachattolanda family Pattedara Erappa, ex-Advocate General and Congress leader A.S. Ponnanna, Bangalore Kodava Samaja President M.T. Nanaiah, Padmashri Rani Machaiah, former hockey coaches M.P. Ganesh and A.B. Subbaiah were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 19th, 2023

CM Presents State Media Academy Awards

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Nine journalists from Mysuru among 123 in State receive the honour

Bengaluru:

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has presented Karnataka Media Academy Awards to 123 journalists including nine from Mysuru, for the years 2019 to 2022, in a ceremony organised at Ravindra Kalakshetra here yesterday.

Andolana Award given for best district newspaper and instituted by Andolana Daily of Mysuru, was bestowed on ‘Nrupathunga’ Daily of Kalaburagi for the year 2019, ‘Navika’ of Shivamogga for the year 2020, ‘Sanje Darpana’ of Hubballi for the year 2021 and ‘Jayakirana’ of Mangaluru for the year 2022.

Mysuru Digantha Award given for best stories on human issues was given to Bagalkot’s Chandrashekar More of ‘Udayavani’ for his report titled ‘Maneyalle Eeji Samagri Tandevu’ for the year 2019, ‘Prajavani’ Mangaluru reporter Pradeesh H. Marody for his report titled ‘Keluttilla Male Makkala Alalu’ for the year 2020, T.N. Padmanabh of ‘Vijaya Karnataka’, Ramanagar for his report titled ‘Pusthaka Hidyuva Kaige Hasuvina Hagga’ for the year 2021 and V.R. Shivakumar of ‘Vijayavani,’ Hunsur for his report titled ‘Jopadiyalle Jeevana Bandi’ and Deepak Sagar of ‘Vijayavani,’ Shivamogga for his report titled ‘Kaggadalli Mulugida Meghaane Vanavasigalu’ jointly for the year 2022.

Executive Editor of ‘Mysuru Digantha’ Ghanavantha Malali was present on the occasion.

Special Awards were conferred on K.N. Tilak Kumar of ‘Deccan Herald’ for the year 2019, Vijay Sankeshwar of ‘Vijayavani’ for the year 2020, H.R. Ranganath of ‘Public TV’ for 2021 and economic expert Susheela Subramanyam for the year 2022.

Annual awards for the year 2019 were given to R. Manoj of ‘Kasturi TV,’  Chamarajanagar district, Sudarshan Chinnangihalli, ‘Vijaya Karnataka’ and H.V. Kiran, ‘TV9,’ Hassan, Kenche Gowda, ‘Vijaya Karnataka,’ Mandya and Anantha Shayana, ‘Shakti,’ Kodagu.

Annual awards for the year 2020 were given to Dharnesh Bookanakere, ‘Digvijaya News’ and senior journalist D.L. Lingaraju, Mandya, Nagesh Panathale, ‘Vijaya Karnataka’ and senior journalist Mahesh Machaiah, Kodagu, B.R. Udaykumar, ‘The New Indian Express’ and G. Prakash, ‘Vijaya Karnataka,’ Hassan and Mullur Raju, ‘Vijayavani,’ Mysuru.

Annual Awards for the year 2021 were given to A.M. Suresh  of ‘Udayavani,’ Mysuru, Mohan, ‘Vishwavani’ and Mullur Shivaprasad, ‘Andolana,’ Nanjangud, K.P. Nagaraj, ‘Public TV’ and Shankar Bennur,  ‘The Hindu.’

Annual Awards for the year 2022 were given to K.B. Ramesh Nayak, ‘Andolana,’ Chamarajanagar, Ravi Nakalgod, ‘Hello Hassan,’ Hassan and Somashekar Keragodu of  ‘Kemmugilu,’ Mandya.

President of Karnataka Media Academy K. Sadashiva Shenoy delivered the welcome address.

N. Manjunath Prasad, Principal Secretary of the Department of Information and Public Relations and Dr. P.S. Harsha, Commissioner, Department of Information and Public Relations, were present during the awards presentation ceremony.

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

‘World’s biggest’ field hockey event returns after 4 years, and it’s a family affair

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Sports, World Opinion

The Kodava community in the hilly district conducts the inter-family hockey tournament every year where players from over 200 families participate.

The annual Kodava hockey festival has no bar on age or gender. The only rule of forming a team is that all members must be from the same family.  | Photo Credit: File photo

Napoklu, a small town 21 km away from district headquarters Madikeri, is all set to host what is termed the world’s largest field-hockey tournament, as the annual Kodava hockey festival will be held from March 18 to April 9 after a four-year gap.

The town has only three mud grounds. On Thursday, workers were seen preparing the grounds for the tournament, while temporary bleachers were up on all sides of the ground where 30,000 spectators can be accommodated, said Navin, a member of the festival organising committee, while overseeing preparations at the Napoklu General Thimayya Ground.

“In all, three grounds will be utilised for the hockey tournament and they will also be used as a backup in case it rains,” he said. Multiple galleries, lighting, speakers, and display boards have been set up on the ground. An estimated ₹1.5 crore have been spent to organise the event by the family.

The Kodava community in the hilly district conducts the inter-family hockey tournament every year where Kodava players from over 200 families come together to play. From 2018, the hockey festival was not held due to large-scale devastation caused by heavy rainfall and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sporting event has no bar on age or gender. The only rule of forming a team is that all members must be from the same family.

This year, the Appachettolanda family is organising the tournament under the aegis of Kodava Hockey Academy. “From every family, young boys and girls, men, women, and professionals, and former hockey players who have represented the State or country, will be part of the family team. Through this event, we are bringing all the Kodavas together. Most of the community members who are outside the district working in various professions come to Kodagu to be part of the sporting event like a festival,” said Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa, president of the Hockey Festival Committee.

The late Pandanda Kuttappa conceived the idea of the Kodava family hockey tournament, which morphed into a major sporting event and festival in the country. “Mr. Kuttappa started the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament in 1997 and was organised by the Pandanda family first in a belief that tapping the inherent love among the Kodavas for hockey could help bring the families and the community together,” Mr. Muthappa noted.

The tournament also emerged as a platform for the community members to discuss trade and business interests besides scouting for marital alliances, according to Maletira Srinivas, secretary of Kodava Hockey Academy. “In the first tournament which was held in 1997, nearly 60 teams took part. The format of the tournament was such that every year, one of the Kodava families had to host the event. Now, over 200 families participate where 3,000 players play hockey,” Mr. Srinivas said.

“Starting with the first tournament, the numbers have increased, reaching a high of 281 in 2003, where this event became the world’s largest hockey tournament. Lasting three weeks, it is a single-elimination tournament and concludes on April 9,” he added.

CM to inaugurate

The Kodava Hockey Namme (festival) is hosted by a different family each year and named after it. Families apply to the Kodava Hockey Academy expressing interest and are allotted the tournament after evaluation. There is no permanent venue; the festival has been held across the district in previous years.

On March 18, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai will inaugurate the festival, which will open with an exhibition match between India Junior XI and Karnataka Men’s XI. The organisers said the festival is held at an estimated cost of ₹ 1.5 crore all raised through funds. While the winning team of the festival this year will be given a cash prize of ₹3 lakh, the runners-up will get ₹2 lakh, and the second runner-up will get ₹1 lakh.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / March 17th, 2023

DJ Nikhil Chinapa Opens Up About VH1 Supersonic Music Fest: “A Well-Curated Artist Lineup Doesn’t Require International Names…”

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Vh1 Supersonic curator Nikhil Chinapa said that it is not important to emphasise on international names to have a well-curated artist line-up,

Nikhil Chinapa on Supersonic: Curated artiste lineup matters more than global celebs(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Host, DJ and Vh1 Supersonic curator Nikhil Chinapa said that it is not important to emphasise on international names; but having said that, curating a lineup with artistes one doesn’t normally get to witness, is a part of the plan for his music festival.

The event will see the who’s who of the music world such as American rapper Tyga, English singer Anne-Marie and Nigerian singer-songwriter CKay among many others.

About how important is it to add international names, Chinapa told IANS: “It’s not. Having a well-curated artist lineup doesn’t require an emphasis on international names. That said, curating a lineup with artists you don’t normally get to witness, is a part of our plan. This includes Indian artists who haven’t been to Pune as well as international talent visiting India.”

Nikhil Chinapa is one of the most prominent faces in the music world. He is credited with popularising Electronic Dance Music (EDM) among the Indian youth. He is also known as the Father of Indian Dance Music for his various contributions towards revolutionising the outlook of Dance Music in the country.

Talking about his favourite hotspots where he’s performed and the best venues for performance in the country, Nikhil Chinapa said: “It depends on what we call ‘the room’ – which is more than the venue, it’s also the people, the vibe, the sound system etc. The best rooms are the ones where people come for music, as opposed to selfies. I’m not hating on selfies in a club though… or wait, maybe I am – but just a little bit!”

What is that one thing that is missing in the music scene in India? The 49-year-old, who has been instrumental in popularising DJing as a profession, answered: “Quality music journalism and significantly fewer selectors (music curators, playlist geeks, culture visionaries) than what I would expect a music population as large as ours to have.”

source: http://www.koimoi.com / koimoi.com / Home> Television & Web / by IANS / February 24th, 2023