Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Inspects Kodava Heritage Centre

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Madikeri:

With the works on Kodava Heritage Centre near Vidyanagar on the outskirts of Madikeri having resumed recently, Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Konganda S. Devaiah and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa – General K.S. Thimayya Forum Convenor Col. Kandrathanda C. Subbaiah visited the site on Monday  and inspected the ongoing works.

The two received inputs on the design of structures coming up at the site, the architectural  outlook of Ainmane and the nature of works in progress.

The contractor said that the works have been taken up at a cost of Rs.1.56 crore and the collapsed walls of structures are being rebuilt. 

Pointing out that red stone pillars, which do not have the capacity to bear the roof load are being replaced with concrete pillars following directions from the PWD, the contractor said the roof for Ainmane is being designed with the concept of Mundmane. Also the repair works of steps leading to the overhead tank is underway and a View Point is being built atop the water tank. The View Point will have iron canopy instead of jungle wood roof-cover as it was found that the iron cover was better  considering the geographical location of the site.

Continuing, the contractor said that the Heritage Centre will have two Ainmanes, with the first one being built now and the other later. The PWD has give nine  months time to complete the works, the contractor said and added that he was hopeful of completing the works by March 2021 itself.

After receiving inputs from the contractor K.S. Devaiah and Col. Subbaiah went through the blueprint of the project  and took note of the roof design, amphitheatre, View Point, Mundmane, water pond and other features. Devaiah asked the contractor to build the structure strictly  in accordance with the characteristics of Ainmane and to maintain quality in works.

Col. Subbaiah asked the contractor to get a blueprint of the complete project from private agencies. Asking the contractor not to deviate from Kodava customs and traditions in the construction of structures, he said that the contractor too must have the self-satisfaction of having executed quality works.

Speaking to Mysooru Mithra, the sister publication of Star of Mysore, Col. Subbaiah said that he inspected the works and interacted with the contractor. 

Noting that more inputs on the project will be sought from PWD and Tourism Department officials following which the project will be discussed in detail with Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC), he said that he will hold talks with Kodagu District In-charge Minister too later. Thereafter, the DC will be appealed to convene a meeting of officials of all concerned departments and efforts will be made to ensure that all works on Kodava Heritage Centre are wholly completed, he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 08th, 2020

Coconut shooting gains popularity

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Sports

It is not uncommon for people to spot someone walking by the road holding a rifle in Kodagu district.

Youths practise coconut shooting while their father looks on, in Madikeri. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri : 

It is not uncommon for people to spot someone walking by the road holding a rifle in Kodagu district. Guns are a part of  its culture even as Jamma holders of the district and the Kodava community enjoy the privilege of exemption from the Arms Act. Gunshots are often fired in the air as part of many ritualistic practices in the district.

Further, apart from ancestral practices and rituals, the rifles are now extensively used to shoot coconuts – which has turned into a popular sport among the residents of the district. Coconut shooting competitions that used to be organised in households during Kodava festivals are now being organised more frequently by various forums and with no bar on caste or community. These competitions have gained momentum in the recent past – especially after the relaxation in the Covid-19 lockdown. 

“Covid-19 situation had turned the entire world gloomy. Everyone was at home and most of them were bored of the monotonous routine. Following the relaxation of Covid norms, the Nelaji Mahila Samaj planned to host a coconut shooting competition at Nelaji,” explained Appumaniyanda Daisy Somanna, secretary of the Mahila Samaj. One of the first sport activities after the lockdown, this competition saw participation from 158 enthusiasts – including women, men and children.   

Appanderanda Dinu, one of the organisers of coconut shooting competition at B Shettegeri opined that this event is one of the best sport activity options available during the pandemic. Apart from becoming the best sports huddle during the pandemic, shooting competitions are extensively promoting shooting skills among residents – especially youngsters.

“Shooting has been a part of our lives. My granddad had served in the Indian Army. My father developed interest in shooting because of his father. Now, we are being coached by my father,” explained Nilma Ponnnu Manavattira, a youngster who does not miss taking part in these shooting competitions.

Alongside her siblings Nilika and Bopanna, she participates in every shooting event and the family has won many trophies in these events. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / December 08th, 2020

Logo of Kodagu Kalaa Utsava 2020 launched

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

MP Pratap Simha released the logo of Kodagu Kalaa Utsava 2020. 

Amateur artist Sadik Hamsa is organising the Utsava to bring out artists. 

Speaking on the occasion, the MP said that art and culture are a part of the country. There is a need to support the artists. 

Sadik Hamsa said that he has been organising the Utsava for the last three years and the artworks of artists will be exhibited.

The Utsava will be held from December 21 to 28, at Shanbouge Centre Hall in SSR Ramamurthy Road. Those interested may contact 9845820257.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State>Mangaluru / by DHNS, Virajpet / December 04th, 2020

AGM Of Kavery Kodava Assn. And Kodagu Sahakara Sangha

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East, will be held on Dec. 13 (Sunday) at 10 am at the Association premises in Vidyashankarnagar here.

COVID – 19 protocol should be adhered to by the Members. Association President Koppira D. Ponnappa will preside over the meeting. Kodagu Sahakara Sangha AGM on Dec. 23.

The AGM of Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Mysuru, will take place at 10.30 am on Dec.23 (Wednesday) at the Sangha premises in Jayalakshmipuram, according to a press release from the Sangha Secretary.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / December 05th, 2020

Youth should work to preserve Kodava culture, says MLC

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports
MLC Veena Achaiah releases the logo of Makkanduru Kodava Samaja women’s team.

The youth should not succumb to addictions. Instead, they should work with a commitment to preserve Kodava culture, said MLC Sunil Subramani M P.

Inaugurating the ‘Puttari Urorme’ and ‘Kol Mandh’ organised by Kodava Samaja in Makkanduru recently, he said that today, the real Kodava culture is alive in rural areas and it is the duty of everyone to preserve the same.

“The youth should gather knowledge on Kodava culture and should take over the responsibility of passing the knowledge to the next generation,” he added.

Codava National Council president N U Nachappa said that there is a necessity for Kodavas to claim the tribal status, as per the Constitution, through a peaceful struggle.

Traditional ‘Kolata’ was performed after offering prayers at Sri Bhadrakaleshwari Temple in Makkanduru and taking out a procession to ‘Ummetti Kol Mandh’.

‘Kattiyatt’, ‘Bolakkatt’ and ‘Ummattatt’ were also performed.

The new logo of the women’s team of Makkanduru Kodava Samaja was released by MLC Veena Achaiah, while N U Nachappa released the logo of the youth team.

Kodava Samaja president Napanda M Kalappa presided over the programme. Entrepreneur Aichettira Bopanna and others were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / December 06th, 2020

Nidhi Subbaiah thrilled to bag her first horror film

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

The Pancharangi actor is excited to be a part of the film that will mark the directorial debut of directors Pavan and Prasad; it will be the second project bankrolled by Lohith H’s Friday Films.

Nidhi Subbaiah

Lohith H is set to present a horror film starring Nidhi Subbaiah, which will mark the directorial debut of Pavan and Prasad. This is the second project bankrolled by Friday Films after Life is Beautiful, and the movie will be made in association with Silver Train international and C K Cine Creations, and produced by Kishore Narasimhaiah, Biji Arun and Chethan Krishanappa. 

The Pancharangi heroine is excited about taking up a horror subject. It will be Nidhi Subbaiah’s first attempt at this kind of a plot. “Watching a thriller or a horror film has been my daily dose of entertainment, and now I will be getting to explore one such subject,” she says, adding, “The fear of the unknown is what thrills me, and keeps me curious to know what’s next. It’s something I am looking forward to being a part of. What compounds the thrill is that I have two filmmakers directing me, and I am getting associated with the production house for the first time. All this makes it all the more interesting.”

The 15-films old actor, who has mostly worked in Kannada and Hindi projects, was last seen in Shivarajkumar’s Ayushman Bhava, in which she made a guest appearance. While the pandemic was one of the reasons for her to go slow, the actor of films like Anna Bond and Krishnan Marriage Story and Ajab Gazabb Love has also been selective about her projects.

“Post Pancharangi, I had directors coming in with similar bubbly roles, which I felt was monotonous. I felt I might as well be in a 9 to 5 job rather than doing the same role over and over again. I waited for a good film to come by, which I could finally bag. A good subject excites me to go to the sets,” says Nidhi, who is planning to start the shooting from mid-January. “The producers plan to shoot the film at one stretch,” she says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / December 05th, 2020

‘Middle Class’ Varsha gets new offers

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Varsha Bollamma is finally getting recognized by the Telugu filmmakers. The success of ‘Middle Class Melodies’ in the OTT space has given a boost to her career. She is now being offered some good projects.

Varsha Bollamma is currently acting with Raj Tarun in a film titled ‘Stand Up, Rahul’. Besides this project, she will be part of a couple of romantic dramas.

Varsha Bollamma has played roles in ‘Choosi Choodangana’, ‘Jaanu’ and ‘Bigil’. But she got the beak with ‘Middle Class Melodies’, which won good appreciation.

source: http://www.telugucinema.com / Telugu Cinema / Home> News / by Telugu Cinema / December 01st, 2020

MLC Wants Tribal Status For Kodava Community

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Seeks establishment of Kodava Language Authority

Madikeri:

Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad has urged the Government to grant Tribal Status to Kodava community  and  also form Kodava Language Authority.

He was speaking at the 30th Annual Codava National Day coinciding with Indian Constitution Day celebrations organised by Codava National Council (CNC) at a private hotel on the outskirts of Madikeri on Thursday.

Pointing out that though the population of Kodavas was a little over 2 lakh, there are over 10,000  Government servants and Army officers from the community, he opined that the community very much deserved to get all rights under the Indian Constitution.

Warning the Government against ignoring the community because of its low population, he said that without the Constitution, no one from the economically backward communities, including himself, could have entered the Parliament.

Asserting that a committed and continuous fight is needed for saving Kodava culture, language and customs, Hariprasad called for apolitical support for CNC President N.U. Nachappa’s fight for Codava land.

BJP MLC and former Minister A.H. Vishwanath, in his address, said that the whole-hearted support of everyone was needed for achieving success in the struggle for getting due rights.

Calling for holding a meeting of researchers who have carried out the ethnographic study of the Kodava tribe, thanks to CNC’s relentless effort through Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI), Mysuru, the MLC noted that  the discipline, lifestyle, customs and practices of Kodavas cannot be seen in any other community and as such, the Kodava community need to be accorded Tribal Status.

MLC Veena Achaiah said that she had raised her voice for rights of the Kodavas in the Legislative Council several times in the past. Asserting that she will raise the issue once again in the Council during next month’s winter session, Veena said that she will speak with more vigour this time as her fellow MLCs Vishwanath and Hariprasad have expressed their support for the Kodava cause.

Bengaluru Kodava Samaja President M.T. Nanaiah, who is a senior High Court advocate, said that taking part in the struggle is the best way of expressing support for Codava land.

CNC Convenor Nachappa contended that Kodava customs, practices and traditions, land, language and culture can only be safeguarded by the Indian Constitution. Stating that Kodavas must Constitutionally get geo-political autonomy, gun rights and land rights, he asserted that the struggle will continue till the goal is achieved. Resolutions were adopted and passed in the presence of distinguished guests in this regard.

During the last Parliamentary session in Dec. 2019, while debating on the ST Constitution Amendment Bill, MPs B.K. Hariprasad  and Kupendra Reddy spoke about the inclusion of Kodava tribe in the ST list, he said adding that this issue had attracted the attention of the whole country and conscience of law-makers. 

As a result of CNC’s relentless effort and innumerable petitions to the Union Government, the Centre directed the State Government to conduct an ethnographic study on Kodava tribalism. Hence, Karnataka Government entrusted this responsibility to KSTRI, Mysuru, he said.

Earlier, Nachappa set off the Codava National Day programme by firing in the air. Members of Valleydew Arts Team performed Kolaat, Kattiyaat and Bolkaat on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2020

DC Inspects Kodava Heritage Centre In Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri: 

With works on the ambitious Kodava Heritage Centre Project having recommenced after years of neglect, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Annies Kanmani Joy visited the site on Thursday and reviewed the progress of work.

The Heritage Centre is coming up in a 4-acre land at Karavale Badaga village near Vidyanagar and close to Mahindra Holiday Resort, on the outskirts of Madikeri city.

The Kodava Heritage Centre envisaged by the Government in 2009-10 for introducing the unique Ainmane tradition of Kodavas with a Museum, was in limbo until recently. The Project features an Ainmane, a Hall, a small indoor water pond, an open auditorium, a Library, a Museum and drinking water facility.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has been entrusted with the task of executing the Project. The PWD had awarded the Rs.1.5 crore tender for completion of works to Madikeri-based Civil Contractor Kishore Babu.

The Project was launched on Sept. 21, 2011 and only the walls of the structure were built so far. There were complaints of poor quality work, while some others accused the authorities of improper planning and architecture. Over the years, the granite stones used for the steps have come apart and the incomplete walls have become dilapidated, unable to withstand the vagaries of nature.

Surprised by the undue delay in the execution of the Project, DC Annies Kanmani Joy, who is also Kodagu District Tourism Development Committee Chairperson, held a meeting on Sept. 6, 2020 during which she directed the officials to expedite the Project works.

Now the PWD, which has been tasked with the execution of the Project, has awarded the contract to Kishore Babu. The contractor has been asked to complete the works by March 2021. The Project was estimated to cost Rs. 88.75 lakh when it was envisaged over a decade ago. But the inordinate delay in the execution of the Project, has resulted in a huge cost escalation, with the Project now costing Rs. 3.3. crore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 28th, 2020

Puthari: Kodagu’s harvest festival

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All
People harvesting new crop. DH File Photo

Harvesting new crops is always a much-awaited occasion, with many festivals revolving around this event. One such harvest festival celebrated by Kodavas is Puthari (which translates to new rice), and it marks the first harvest of the paddy crop.

Puthari is celebrated in the Kodava month of Birchiyar, which falls in November and December. This year Puthari is on November 30.

“In the past, rice cultivation was what brought prosperity to Kodagu. There are beautiful images in our folk narratives of caravans of oxen, loaded with rice, setting off from ancestral homes to neighbouring regions indicating a thriving rice trade. Puthari celebrates the new crop of rice that promises a year of abundance; it’s a time of thanksgiving, and is the most important festival of the year,” says Kaveri Ponnapa, the author of The Vanishing Kodavas.

On a predetermined day, at a fixed time after dusk, the Nere Kattuvo ceremony is first held, wherein leaves of certain trees are tied together and later placed at different corners of the house. Men in traditional kupya chele and women wearing Kodava saree then go to the paddy field, led by a woman holding a taliyakki bolcha (lamp) under the light of the full moon. 

Here the Khadh Edpo ceremony is held. The eldest man of the family called the patedara cuts an odd number of paddy sheaves (khadh) and they return carrying the harvested crop in a kuthi (a sacred bamboo container) while uttering Poli Poli deva — praying for a bountiful year.

The paddy sheaves are placed in front of the nellaki bolcha (sacred lamp) at the ainmane (ancestral home) and people pray for a good harvest. Then two special types of desserts — thambutt (made from roasted rice flour and mashed banana) and rice payasa — are prepared.

The day ends with children bursting firecrackers and a wholesome meal.

Traditionally, Puthari would be followed by week-long celebrations. On the days following Puthari, a few people would go door-to-door visiting every house in the hamlet and sing songs eulogising the family members of that house, beating a dudi (traditional hourglass drum). This formed part of the mane paado (singing at houses) ceremony. Children of the hamlet would tag along with these singers in merriment.

On the last day of the celebrations, people would visit the mandh, the sacred grounds of the village, and men would perform kol aat, a traditional stick dance.

Men performing Kol aat as part of Puthari celebrations. DH File Photo

Building solidarity 

“Rice cultivation is a community-oriented activity — one had to rely on neighbours to help with transplanting and harvesting. So, you find that many of the customs — the dances, feasts, the bringing in of new household implements and so on — are all directed at building solidarity. It’s also a time when we reconnect with our own clans; the dudi patkaras (traditional singers) walk from one ancestral home to another, singing the histories of clans, re-establishing our links with our heritage, and the land,” says Kaveri.

While many Kodavas have moved outside of Kodagu for their careers, Puthari is still celebrated in the same spirit of togetherness. Kodava families in a region get together, and celebrate this festival upholding the traditions.

“Since we stay in Bengaluru, every year on Puthari, we make it a point to go to Bangalore Kodava Samaja, which we regard as our ainmane in the city. There we symbolically harvest some paddy crop and bring back home the paddy sheaves to the tunes of Poli Poli deva,” says Mundanda Sudha Poovaiah, an advocate practicing in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum> Spectrum Statescan / by Dhanyata M Poovaiah , Bengaluru / November 18th, 2020