The source of Cauvery is also among the most ideal locations to gaze at the sky.
A “star party” organised by the Bangalore Astronomical Society recently at Talacauvery in Kodagu district of Karnataka. Photo: Special Arrangement
Talacauvery in Kodagu district, which is the source of Cauvery river, has emerged as South India’s Hanle, as astronomers have been hosting “star parties” there for some time now. Hanle, located in Ladakh, and known for its pristine skies and minimal light pollution, is also India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.
A Dark Sky Reserve is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference.
In south India, most dark sky locations are in the Western Ghats or some hill ranges nearby, and according to astronomers, Talacauvery is the most ideal location to gaze at the sky and have a star party.
Voluntary work
The Bangalore Astronomical Society (BAS), a group of volunteers working for the promotion of astronomy as a hobby as well as a science, is now hosting star parties at Talacauvery. IT professionals Sudhash Natarajan, Vishwanath S.K. and Keerthi Kiran have been volunteering to conduct the star parties for BAS.
“We at BAS usually arrange star parties on New Moon weekends (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) format as it is the ideal time to observe the celestial objects which we are looking for. We inform people who are interested in joining us for the star party eight to days in advance. Members of the sky party after arriving at the dark sky location set up their equipment like telescopes, binacolours etc and the observation goes on until 4.45 am,” said Sudhash Natarajan.
Mr. Natarajan said that the group which attends the star parties are of all walks of life and that they are a mix of experienced astronomers as well as students and newbies to astronomy. He added that star parties have also been conducted in Koratagere, Hoshalli, Kavalur, and Yercaud in the past.
Less light pollution
“However, Talacauvery is possibly the best dark night location in south India due to less light pollution. In astronomy, there is something called the Bortle scale which measures the night sky’s brightness of a location on a nine level numerical scale. The lesser the numerical scale it qualifies for a better dark sky location. For example, Hanle skies would qualify as Bortle one skies, Talacauvery as Bortle two, and Bengaluru as Bortle nine,” he added.
The star parties are usually conducted in the winter months between December to March as the skies are clearer during these months which is very important for stargazing.
Mr. Natarajan said a star party was conducted between December 23 and 27, 2022, and the next one would be between January 20 and 24.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Hemanth C S / January 04th, 2023
Author P.T. Bopanna decided to promote ‘role models’ by conducting an annual poll to select a ‘Coorg Person of Year’ to ‘reignite the famed leadership qualities in the community’.
Rashmika Mandanna achieved phenomenal success with the pan-India movie Pushpa – The Rise, and drew the spotlight on the tiny hill district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, a popular tourist destination inhabited by Kodavas, who have a unique culture. | Photo Credit: PTI
Actor Rashmika Mandanna has been chosen as the Coorg Person of the Year 2022 in a poll conducted by www.coorgtourisminfo.com, a news portal based in the district of Kodagu.
Sharing the details, author P.T. Bopanna, who runs the news portal, said he decided to promote ‘role models’ by conducting an annual poll in 2005 to select a ‘Coorg Person of Year’ to ‘reignite the famed leadership qualities in the community’.
This year, the choice was Rashmika Mandanna, who achieved phenomenal success with the pan-India movie Pushpa- The Rise, and drew the spotlight on the tiny hill district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, a popular tourist destination inhabited by Kodavas, who have a unique culture.
“Rashmika, who has become a household name through her acting and dancing skills, has emerged as an unofficial brand ambassador for Kodagu culture,” said Mr. Bopanna. She did her schooling at Coorg Public School, Gonikoppal, in Kodagu, before earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Journalism and English Literature at M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 03rd, 2022
The second day of the Yuva Sambhrama at the Open Air Theatre in Manasagangothri on Saturday, was a huge crowd-puller, with many sterling and spectacular performances by College students and youths.
Gonikoppa Cauvery College students gave an exciting Kodava dance performance portraying the rich Kodava culture, practices and traditions, which enthralled the huge audience.
Likewise, students of JSS ITI College at Mariyala in Chamarajanagar district gave a performance that portrayed the courage, sacrifices of our brave soldiers and the richness of Kannada land, culture and language.
Chamarajanagar Government Boys PU College students gave an excellent dance performance on the life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who fought for equality. ‘Jai Bhim’ slogans rented the air during the course of the performance.’
Students of Ponnampet’s Forestry College, in association with students of Vidyavaridhi Composite PU College, Bilikere, gave a magnificent dance performance focusing on nature conservation. The dance presentation was based on the theme ‘Nature is our Future’.
Students of Government Girls PU College, Arkeshwaranagar in Mandya, presented a performance that laid threadbare the plight of transgenders as a gender minority community.
Chamarajangar’s Bright PU College students gave a performance on safety and security of girl children and women. H.D. Kote’s Sri Vishwabharathi First Grade College students gave a dance performance that sought shelter and rehabilitation for poor women and girl children living on streets and who are found selling pens to motorists at traffic signals.
Students from Mysuru’s Marimallappa’s, Taralabalu, St. Joseph’s, Seshadripuram, Sri Chayadevi and Government Ayurveda College, K.R. Nagar’s T. Mariyappa Memorial Composite PU College, H.D. Kote’s St. Mary’s composite PU College, Yelwal’s Kalabharathi Composite PU College, Virajpet’s Cauvery PU College, Pandavapura Government PU College, Nanjangud Taluk’s Doddakavalande Government PU College etc., too gave a variety of dance and drama performances.
Similarly, a variety of performances with focus on freedom fighters, Maharajas, warriors and like and societal issues, were presented by students from other colleges spread across Mysuru and surrounding districts.
Actor Ramesh Aravind, the star attraction
Senior Actor Ramesh Aravind, who is known for his stellar performances in several films of different languages, was the star attraction of the show yesterday. Addressing the audience, Ramesh explained his journey in the world of Cinema, which started over three-decades ago and his life and times.
The senior actor began his talk by narrating the experiences he shared with his two ‘Girl friends’ when he was a youngster. Announcing that the name of his girl friends were ‘Priya’ and ‘Shreya’, which he quoted from the Upanishad, the versatile actor explained a story involving the two girls, which delighted the crowd. Pointing out that it took 30 years for him to achieve big in film industry, Ramesh recalled the days when he participated in the cultural programmes that took place during his college days. He noted that those who saw his talent in these programmes took him to a Radio show, from where his cinema journey began. He also gave some tips to the youths on choosing their career and the efforts to be made to excel in their chosen fields.
The teaser of Ramesh Aravind’s latest Cinema ‘Shivaji Suratkal-2’ was released on the occasion. Ramesh Aravind, who was recently conferred Honorary Doctorate by Belagavi’s Rani Chennamma University, was felicitated in the presence of District Minister S.T. Somashekar, Mayor Shivakumar and others.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 18th, 2022
The cave was found accidentally while levelling the land for plantation purpose.
Potteries collected from a cave found at Kallembi village in Kadaba taluk of Dakshina Kannada | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The study of potteries, which were found in a cave at Kallembi village under Yadamangala gram panchayat, Kadaba taluk in Dakshina Kannada some time ago, indicated that the cave could be that of the iron age-Megalithic period, according to T. Murugeshi, Associate Professor in Ancient History and Archaeology, Mulki Sundarram Shetty College, Shirva, Udupi district.
“They resembled grave potteries of Mudukonaje near Moodbidri, and burial potteries of Heggadehalli and Siddalingapura of Kodagu. In addition, they were more akin to the Kerala Megalithic burials in construction and style. But side opening and underground passage with top opening, which is a common feature of Kerala burials, are not traced. It will be known by excavation only,” he said in a statement.
Mr. Murugeshi said that the small particles of husk, most probably of ragi, found inside surface of red potteries were carefully collected, and they will be sent to a laboratory for further studies.
He said that one-legged red jar of about 10 inch in height, large red lid of about 7.5 inch in diameter, another large black lid of about 8.5 inch in diameter, three red potteries of about 19 cm, 22 cm and 23.5 cm in height respectively, one small black pot of about 9 cm in height having small mouth of about 2 cm, one small red lid with knob, and black and red bowl pieces with flat bottom, lamps of red and black colour with round base were collected from the site.
Accidental find
The cave was found accidentally while levelling the land for plantation purpose. The site is located on the slope of a small hillock and watered by Kumaradhara river. It is about 16 km away from Yadamangala and just 1.5 km away from Dola. The cave was opened on eastern side by an earthmover, the historian said.
“It looks like a hemispherical dome having a central pillar. Pottery base impressions are visible on the inside surface of the cave. A heap of soil on either side of the pillar was found. Without clearing the debris proper study is difficult, and rain is also an obstacle to continue the examination. There was no trace of metals inside the cave,” he said.
According to the land (site) owner, Vishwanath Gowda Balladka, the cave was found in the afternoon on August 19, 2022. The materials were collected after conducting ‘panchaname’ in the presence of the village accountant. The study team led by Mr. Murugeshi had reached the site on August 21 after the he was informed about the finding of the cave on the evening of August 20.
Adjoining areas of Kallembi like Dola, Yenmakaje, and others are well known in the Tulu folklore, belonging to twin heroes of Tulu Nadu Koti and Chennaya and their sister Kinnidaru, he said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / November 08th, 2022
Chiklihole Dam, a modest reservoir in Coorg is located within Karnataka’s Cauvery basin. For those seeking some solitude and serenity away from the crowd, the hidden spot is the best choice!
Karnataka Travel: Heard of Chiklihole Dam in Coorg? Here’s Why It’s an Undiscovered Beauty That You Can’t Afford to Miss (Picture Credit: A_Lasting_Impression_43/Instagram)
Coorg’s Undiscovered Beauty:
Nature lovers that take the chance of travelling from distant locations merely to experience nature’s grandeur are drawn to the lush green surrounds, the freshness of the rain, and also the splendour of the waterfalls.
The Chiklihole Dam in Coorg, a man-made reservoir, is one of the undiscovered beauties in Karnataka’s Coorg.
Coorg is a captivating hill town in the Karnataka region that is home to expansive coffee fields, towering hills, and fascinating waterfalls. Coorg is situated in idyllic surroundings and presents countless opportunities to get personal with nature and its beauties. Coorg’s hidden gem – Chiklihole Reservoir is truly a sight to behold!
The Chiklihole Dam in Coorg is a great illustration of how natural and man-made buildings can coexist. The water reservoir is surrounded by lush vegetation on all sides, still water in the centre, and an enormous grand dam on the opposite side between Kushalnagar and Madikeri.
Chiklihole Reservoir is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, making it a delight to witness. (Picture Credit: Integrity Wellness/Twitter)
The dam is round in shape and has no crest gates. Travellers are drawn in by the dam’s distinctive shape alone. They are treated to an amazing sight as the water overflows like foam on the curved structures due to the increased input. This water body’s breathtaking surroundings are majestic and extremely pleasing to the eye. The reservoir has lush green woodlands on one side and a grassy meadow on the other, which adds to the area’s tranquillity.
Chiklihole Dam in Coorg, Karnataka, has breathtaking natural beauty. (Picture Credit: Sixth Element/Twitter)
Chiklihole Dam: Know The Ticket Price And Timings
Chiklihole Dam is Coorg’s undiscovered beauty that offers tranquillity from the hustle and bustle of the city. The location is rural, thus there are no shops. If visitors intend to unwind for a day or even a few hours by the dam, they should bring their own snacks and water.
Chiklihole Dam Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
Chiklihole Dam Ticket Price: Free Entry
From the dam, you may enjoy a beautiful sunset view. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single store or business that provides amenities for tourists due to the location’s remoteness. The monsoon and winter season i.e from June to March are the greatest times to visit the dam since the weather is comfortable, the water level in the dam rises, and the scenery is beautiful.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India.com. The writer is solely responsible for any claims arising out of the contents of this article. All the products are independently selected by the author. For any such reviews, please contact himanshu.shekhar@India.com
source: http://www.india.com / India.com / Home> Travel / by Travel Staff , edited Tanya Garg / September 11th, 2022
In 2022, Daisy Bopanna wants to be more self-aware. The actress says, “What I mean by ‘awareness’ is to be conscious about my action. Be conscious about situations around me and take responsible action and responsible decisions in life.”
She says she is usually not the resolution kind of a person, but since the year 2018, she’s been following this resolution quite consistently.
She adds, “In today’s world, we live in so much chaos, there’s a lot of noise around. People keep telling you what to do on social media, what not to do. You know, you’re always being influenced by a lot of people.”
Daisy added, “In this world, there’s good and there’s bad and the volume is up on both sides. I think being self-aware and just generally conscious about everything that I do is something I would love to enhance in this coming year and the years after, that’s it.”
source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Entertainment / January 02nd, 2022
The verification process is still ongoing to confirm if the event has broken the previous world record.
Over 6000 people gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering in Bittangala. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Madikeri:
With an aim to create the Guinness World Record, over 6000 people from the Kodava community got together at Bittangala in Virajpet on Saturday.
They gathered to break the world record for the largest family gathering under a single roof and the initiative was organized by the Kodava Clan Portal. The initiative was called ‘Okoota’.
“Nearly 6500 people gathered under the same roof to prove that we all belonged to the same family,” shared G Kishoo Uthappa, the founder of the Kodava Clan portal. He explained that people from three generations gathered for the event and the same was monitored by the representatives of the World Record Association.
The verification process is still ongoing to confirm if the event has broken the previous world record.
The Kodava Clan portal was started to help the Kodava community connect with the ancestral lineage and the portal has succeeded in creating the largest family tree of over 21,000 Kodava individuals.
Through the portal, one can even find out how they are related to FMKM Cariappa or anyone else from the community. The portal had won the India Book of Records for the largest family tree and it has now attempted to break the Guinness World Record.
“We are now linking everyone who was part of the event to the family tree in the portal to find out if we all belong to the same family,” explained Kishoo. A total of 4514 people from the same family gathered in France earlier to create the world record for the largest family gathering and the Kodava clan aims to break this record.
Meanwhile, the event provided a platform to the Kodava litterateurs to exhibit their works and enabled sales of the same. Over 30 outlets in the vicinity promoted the Kodava culture even as various entertaining events including the ‘valagathat’, singing and other programmes were organized.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Express News Service / December 25th, 2022
Kodagu Model School celebrated its 14th Annual Day on Dec.17 at Jilla Shikshakara Sadhana near Milk Dairy, Mysuru.
N.A. Malleshwari, BEO, Mysuru Rural, Rajini Annaiah, Corporator, H.R. Mahadevaswamy, Cluster Resource Person and Dr. M.R. Jayaprakash, retired Principal, were the chief guests.
The celebrations started with the lighting of the lamp by the guests. School President P.S. Devaiah presided. The annual report was readout by Mary Anitha, Head Mistress of the School.
The guests gave away the prizes to the students for their outstanding performance in various curricular and co-curricular activities. The SSLC topper of the academic year 2021-22 K.
Chandana Urs was felicitated by the BEO.
Speaking on the occasion, Malleshwari appreciated the performance of the School in academic and non-academic activities while Rajini Annaiah said that the School was a boon to Alanahalli cluster.
Dr. Jayaprakash said that parents and teachers must equally share the responsibility of instilling values in children at a very young age. The students gave an enthralling cultural performance and the function came to a close with the National Anthem.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 22nd, 2022
For centuries, the Kodava people have been self-reliant on their cuisine, depending on the indigenous local produce; the concept of slow food comes naturally to the region’s communities. Most popular dishes of the Kodagu cuisine utilise naturally grown ingredients making it not just sustainable cooking but also one of the fantastic cuisines of India.
As a culinary researcher, I am not biased towards any cuisine per se; however, the cuisine of Coorg has been an aspirational cuisine for me to explore. In the very first session, I attended on the regional cuisines of India, the discussion on the Kodagu cuisine was the highlight of the session, my mentor Dr P.S Sandilya explained to us the uniqueness of the food from the landlocked and less connected place of Coorg, its rich forests, spices, and the coffee plantations, and I was transported in my imagination to the beautiful region of Coorg, which I visited in December this year.
The only way to reach Coorg is by road. For centuries, the Kodava people have been self-reliant on their cuisine, depending on the indigenous local produce; the concept of slow food comes naturally to the region’s communities. Most popular dishes of the Kodagu cuisine utilise naturally grown ingredients making it not just sustainable cooking but also one of the fantastic cuisines of India.
Coffee
All around Coorg, you will find coffee plantations adorning the hill slopes. Not only can you enjoy the flavourful and aromatic coffees brewed at the local coffee shops, but you can also shop for coffee beans from different estates to take home. Coorg produces 40% of India’s coffee and is known to have a mild tropical flavour owing to the shades in which they are grown. The big cup café is one of the popular cafes in Madikeri, where you can experience the fantastic coffee from their estate called ‘Sandalkad estate’. Coffees are roasted in Situ, and watching the process unfold in front of your eyes is an enriching experience for a coffee enthusiast. Arabica, as well as robusta varieties of coffee, are available, which one can also experience growing in the plantations situated just 5 minutes away from the café.
Markets in Madikeri, as well as the popular Kushal Nagar market, are beaming with shops selling coffee beans and powders from estates around the region, and makes for an ideal shopping experience to get hold of culinary gems from the region, known as the ‘Coffee Cup of India’.
Spices
Most visitors to Coorg stock up on the spices grown in the region. Coorg is one of India’s finest spice-growing regions, and one must buy a combination of different spices like pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves etc. Most Spice sellers of Coorg grow the products in their plantations and have fresh produce of different quality, oil content, and aroma, owing to the time of the year they are grown in. Being locally produced, one can buy high-quality spices at low prices in Madikeri, Kushalnagar, and Virajpet. Do a thorough inspection and ask to taste some of the spices. The aromatic pepper and cardamom found in Coorg will undoubtedly enthrall you, and you will buy more than you were set out to.
Kachampuli
Image credits: Kachampuli
Coorg’s cuisine is bound to impress you with its unique flavours and high-quality, locally-grown ingredients. Your curiosity about the fantastic cuisine of Coorg majorly lies in the famed souring agent called ‘Kachampuli’. The dark fruity vinegar is extracted from the ripe fruits of a tree called ‘Garcinia Gummi- Guta’. Its unique flavour profile lends sourness to meat, chicken and vegetarian dishes alike and is used in dishes like Pandi curry and dry fry preparations like ‘Barthand’. ‘Kachampuli’s’ sour and astringent flavour combined with the flavourful spices makes for a heavenly combination, making Coorg cuisine one of the finest regional cuisines of India.
‘Kachampuli’ is also known for its health quotient, beneficial for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, and excellent digestive properties. One must buy a bottle of Kachampuli to try cooking ‘Coorgi’ dishes at home and celebrate your love for good food.
Honey
In an ecosphere like one of the nature-rich Coorg, bees play an essential role as effective pollinators, feeding on the rich flora of the surroundings. Resultantly, and with the constant effort of the beekeepers, the honey produced in Coorg has attained a special status, defining its unique taste, aroma and colour. Do not miss out on buying a bottle of ‘Coorgi’ honey to take home, along with the sweet memories of the picturesque Coorg.
Chocolates
Chocolates are another ‘Coorgi’ delicacy one must indulge in. If you are travelling with kids, it’s tough to ignore this decadent ‘Coorgi’ product anyways. Homemade chocolates are sold in every nook and corner of Coorg, with numerous flavours, stuffings, shapes and sizes; buying chocolates in Coorg is not just inevitable but is also a pleasure to your senses. Visit choci chocolate, a speciality chocolate store located in Madikeri, for an exciting experience gorging at the choco goodies; you will indeed be tempted to try the different varieties of spectacular tasting chocolates of Coorg.
Other Products To Look Out For
In Coorg, there is plenty of produce. Dry fruits like Raisins, Cashews, and Figs are of good quality in the region. Grapes and Oranges are of good quality as well. Grapes are used to produce homemade wines, which can be tried and then bought at very reasonable prices all across Coorg. Home-made wines come in different and unique flavours, from fruity to chilli and spiced wines. Bamboo shoots, also known as ‘Bimballe’, are grown locally and are a delicious choice for vegetarians to enjoy the ‘Bimballe’ curry, to be enjoyed with ‘Kadambuttu’, the steamed rice balls. ‘Sanakki rice’, the short-grained and aromatic rice grown in Karnataka, is used to prepare Akki Roti, Nool Puttu, Kadambuttu, Paputtu etc. One can also buy coarsely ground rice semolina called ‘Akki Tari’, which can be an ideal ingredient to prepare rice-based idlis, upmas, puttus, etc.
‘Kaartha Masala’ is the regional spice mix of Coorg used in preparing traditional dishes such as the famed Pandi curry, chicken and fish dishes, the dark coloured masala is made of dry roasted spices of Coorg like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, black peppercorns etc.
Of the many delicious indigenous ingredients growing in Coorg, the tradition of making pickles and chutneys is common to all households in that region. These amazing pickles can be bought from stores and markets, making it easy for you to relish the flavour of Coorg cuisine for a long time.
Writing this article has been a tease to my palate, as it is tough to discuss such delicious ingredients without your mouth being flooded with water. Having enjoyed these flavours over the period of two weeks that I have spent in Coorg has been one of the best culinary experiences of my life, and I would urge you all to explore this fantastic region of Coorg and treat your taste buds with some of the finest culinary produce of India. Coorg’s weather and beautiful locations will keep your senses and soul satiated with natural goodness. Coorg is waiting for you!
Sidharth Bhan Gupta, is a food writer travelling across India on a Cultural and Culinary Exploration.
source: http://www.slurrp.com / Slurrp / Home> Article / by Sidharth Bhan Gupta / December 19th, 2022
The Kodagu district administration has planned a Honey Festival in the gardens of Raja Seat in Madikeri on December 24 and 25.
The festival, which has been planned in association with Kodagu Zilla Panchayat and Horticulture Department, is aimed at encouraging apiculture in Kodagu in view of the worldwide demand for Coorg honey.
The festival is expected to bring together not only people engaged in apiculture, but also scientists, societies and companies engaged in producing honey.
The festival will also feature demonstrations on apiculture and other technical knowledge of the field by local researchers and scientists from the College of Forestry and government officials, and exhibition stalls.
More information can be obtained from the Deputy Director of Horticulture Chikkera Pramod on 94831-10621 and Vasanth B.D. on 94490-75077.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / December 17th, 2022
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