Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

‘Kolata’, sports mark Huthari celebrations

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Sports
Kodava men perform ‘Huthari Kolata’ on the premises of the Old Fort in Madikeri on Thursday.
Kodava men perform ‘Huthari Kolata’ on the premises of the Old Fort in Madikeri on Thursday.

Celebrations of Huthari continued with ‘Kolata’ and various sports events on the very next day of Huthari festival in the district on Thursday.

The Pandira family and the management committee of the Omkareshwara Temple organised the ‘Huthari Kolata’ on the premises of the Old Fort in Madikeri.

‘Ummattat’, ‘Bolakkat’, ‘Kolat’, ‘Pariya Kali’, ‘Chowli Aat’ and ‘Kattiyat’ were performed by teams from the Kodava Samaja, the Pandira family and the Pommakkada Koota.

Children added sheen to the Kolata by tapping their feet to the music of the traditional Kodava Valaga, which came as the icing on the cake.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA K G Bopaiah said that Kolata is celebrated soon after Huthari festival in Kodagu. Kolata was performed on the premises of Old Fort since generations, he said.

Stating that a week-long Huthari Kolata will be celebrated in ‘Uru Mand’ and ‘Naad Mand’, the MLA stressed on the need to cherish and preserve the tradition.

Since 2008, Kodagu has been enjoying holiday for Huthari and Kaveri Sankramana, after the government recognised the festivals, he added.

History

The Pandira family members of Hebbettageri village have been performing ‘Huthari Kolata’ or Puttari Kolata, on the premises of Old Fort, since the time of the reign of royal kingdoms in Kodagu.

The paddy is harvested during the festival and brought to homes.

The Puttari Aramane Kolu was held in high regard in the palace in older days and the same is continued today.

‘Will accept minister’s post if offered’

Speaking to reporters, Bopaiah said that he is not in the race for a minister’s position. However, if offered, he will accept the same with humility and work with conviction and handle with responsibility.

He meanwhile stated that he is an honest member of the party and does not believe in lobbying. He denied pressuring any leader to give him the minister’s post. “I have fetched a lot of grants to Kodagu and will continue to strive to solve people’s problems,” Bopaiah added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DH News Service, Madikeri / December 12th, 2019

Portable Memorials: Portrait Miniatures

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion
Attributed to Ozias Humphry (British, 1742–1810), Dodda Vira Raja (or, Vira Rajendra Wodeyar), Ruler of Coorg 1780-1809, c. 1787. Watercolor on ivory. Gift of Shirley Latter Kaufmann in memory of Harry and Anna Latter, 74.649.
Attributed to Ozias Humphry (British, 1742–1810), Dodda Vira Raja (or, Vira Rajendra Wodeyar), Ruler of Coorg 1780-1809, c. 1787. Watercolor on ivory. Gift of Shirley Latter Kaufmann in memory of Harry and Anna Latter, 74.649.

New Orleans, LA :

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) presents the museum’s Latter-Schlesinger Collection of Portrait Miniatures. Cradled in the palm of the hand or worn close to the heart, portrait miniatures were never intended for public consumption, but rather, functioned as personal tokens of affection, love, or memorial. Drawing from NOMA’s permanent collection, the installation of more than 100 portrait miniatures is now on view in the Lupin Foundation Decorative Arts Galleries on the museum’s second floor.

“NOMA’s Latter-Schlesinger Collection of Portrait Miniatures, given in 1974 by Shirley Latter Kaufmann in honor of her parents, Harry and Anna Latter, is one of the singularly important collections at this museum,” said Susan Taylor, NOMA’s Montine McDaniel Freeman Director. “Ranging from the court of Henry VIII to Napoleonic France, the collection includes masterful examples of the important artists and techniques used in the art of miniature portraits.”

Andrew Plimer (British, 1763–1837), Henrietta Ponsonby, Countess of Bessborough, c. 1795. Watercolor on ivory, frame with pearls. Gift of Shirley Latter Kaufmann in memory of Harry and Anna Latter, 74.654.
Andrew Plimer (British, 1763–1837), Henrietta Ponsonby, Countess of Bessborough, c. 1795. Watercolor on ivory, frame with pearls. Gift of Shirley Latter Kaufmann in memory of Harry and Anna Latter, 74.654.

Portrait miniatures were the passion of New Orleans collectors Harry and Anna Latter. In 1957, the Latters traveled to London to oversee a government project and dedicated the trip to the pursuit of English portrait miniatures. After her parent’s passing, Kaufmann gifted the comprehensive collection to NOMA, where she was a trustee for more than twenty years and board president in 1978. The family continues Kaufmann’s tradition of supporting the museum through the Milton H. Latter Educational and Charitable Foundation, which sponsored the design and fabrication of a custom cabinet for the magnificent collection.

Nicholas Hilliard (English, 1547–1619), Portrait of an Elizabethan Court Lady, c. 1590. Watercolor on parchment. Gift of Shirley Latter Kaufmann in memory of Harry and Anna Latter, 74.337.
Nicholas Hilliard (English, 1547–1619), Portrait of an Elizabethan Court Lady, c. 1590. Watercolor on parchment. Gift of Shirley Latter Kaufmann in memory of Harry and Anna Latter, 74.337.

Portrait miniatures feature details of historic lace, jewelry, ornate hairstyles, royal adornments and military regalia, all executed by the artist sometimes using a single hair as a brush. The earliest 16th-century miniatures were painted with watercolor onto vellum (animal skin) or cardstock, but by the 18th-century heyday of portrait miniatures, artists painted on thin sheets of ivory for a natural luminescence to the watercolor portraits. NOMA’s collection includes master miniature artists Nicholas Hilliard (English, 1547-1619), John Hoskins the Elder (English, c.1590-1665), Samuel Cooper (English, 1609-1672), Richard Cosway (British, 1742-1821), and George Engleheart (British, 1752-1829). On view are examples of portraits framed with the sitter’s hair, intricately arranged and braided, and two “lover’s eye” miniatures, capturing just an intimate close-up of the sitter’s eye, recognizable only to her dearest confidants.

A tablet produced by NOMA details the stories behind these portrait miniatures, with the stories of royalty and historic celebrities, the highly-skilled craft of miniature painting, and the Latter family collection.

NOMA’s installation was made possible with the support of the Milton H. Latter Educational and Charitable Foundation.

source: http://www.artandobject.com / Art & Object / Home> Museum / December 11th, 2019

Mysuru Kodava Samaja Keeping Tradition Alive By Hosting ‘Puthari’ Get-Together

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Puthari01KF13dec2019

Mysuru:

Huthri or Puthari festival was celebrated with grandeur and traditional fervour in Mysuru and Kodagu districts yesterday. It is a festival of harvest and getting the harvested paddy crop home.

Kodavas and members of Kodagu Gowda community visited paddy fields in their traditional attire and harvested the new crop after offering prayers.

The festival is observed either in the month of November or December on full moon day of Rohini Nakshatra. Before harvesting, they chanted ‘Poli Poli Deva,’ fired three times in the air and burst crackers.

In Mysuru, the celebrations were organised by Mysuru Kodava Samaja at Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions premises in Kuvempunagar while members of Kodagu Gowda community celebrated the fest at their Samaja premises in Vijayanagar.

Kodagu Gowda Samaja members after harvesting the new paddy
Kodagu Gowda Samaja members after harvesting the new paddy

The celebrations started at Cauvery School at 5.30 pm with performance of traditional Kodava dances by both men and women including small children.

‘Nere kattuva’ ritual was held at 7.35 pm followed by reaping of new paddy crop at 8.35 pm and distribution of thambutt prasada (a unique pudding made of ripe banana, coconut, jaggery/sugar, sesame, cardamom, ghee and roasted boiled rice flour) at 9.35 pm.

Puthari03KF13dec2019

The menfolk, wearing their traditional attire complete with Kuppiya – Chele, Mande Thuni and Peeche Kathi and the saree-clad women accompanied by girl children holding Thaliathakki Bolcha (a bronze tray with rice, betel leaves, arecanut and a lamp) marched to the nearby fields to reap the paddy crop. The festival marks bringing home the new paddy crop from the fields, symbolic of welcome to Goddess Lakshmi, who is the presiding deity of wealth.

A festival primarily confined to Kodagu in the past is now being celebrated in cities too where there is a considerable population of Kodavas. And Mysuru Kodava Samaja has been striving to keep the tradition alive by hosting the Puthari Eedu and Festival get-together annually.

Puthari Eedu was held for five days from Dec.6 to Dec.10 daily at 6 pm at the Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar where traditional Kodava dances are practiced with the cultural troupe members and new-comers, according to Kekada M. Belliappa, President and Malachira M. Ponnappa, Hon. Secretary of Kodava Samaja, Mysuru. Hundreds of Kodavas attended the celebrations in city last evening. On the occasion, the Samaja felicitated the men’s cultural troupe that won prize in the competition held at Balugodu Samaja recently.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 12th, 2019

Merging border with dance

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, World Opinion

New Delhi, (IANS) :

Rasaja Foundation, in collaboration with Business & Community Foundation (BCF) will organise a discussion ”Merging Border” with artists Lata Pada (Sampradaya Dance Creations, Canada), Dr I Wayan Dibia (scholar, author and dance choreographer, Indonesia), Shila Mehta (Nupur Zankar Academy of Performing Arts, New Jersey, Belgium and Mumbai) and Hema Rajagopalan (Natya Dance Theatre, Chicago) followed by ”Nimitta” a solo kathak performance by Shila Mehta, portraying “Shikhandi” from Mahabharat on December 12 at Sri Aurobindo Society in New Delhi.

”PRALAYA”, a collaboration in Bharatanatyam and Baliness dance by Sampradaya Dance Creations, Canada, a modern retelling of the Mahabharata with special focus on the game of dice between the Pandavas and the Kauravas will be staged on December 13 at Kamani Auditorium in the capital.

The presentation, conceptulised and directed by Lata Pada, includes choreography by Lata Pada & I Wayan Dibia, music by Praveen D. Rao, costume Design by Sandhya Raman, visual Design by Jacques Collin and lighting design by Deepa Dharmadhikari.

Their Indo–Balinese collaboration that premiered in Toronto in November 2016 and went on to do an eight-city tour in Canada, has now begun its international tour across seven cities in India and a stint in South East Asia-Indonesia.

–IANS / Sukant/prs
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> The News Scroll / December 10th, 2019

Kodava Samaja, Mysuru

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Huthri celebrations, 5.30 pm onwards;

traditional Kodava dances by the Samaja members and their children,

‘Nere kattuva’ ritual, 7.35 pm;

Reaping new paddy crop (Kadiru), 8.35 pm;

Distribution of thambutt prasada, Sree Cauvery College Grounds, Kuvempunagar, 9.35 pm.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Events / December 10th, 2019

Kaveri Kalakshetra hall to get facelift soon

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
The present condition of Kaveri Kalakshetra hall in Madikeri.
The present condition of Kaveri Kalakshetra hall in Madikeri.

Kaveri Kalakshetra hall in Madikeri will finally get a facelift. An action plan has been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore under a special grant of the state government to take up development work.

The Kaveri Kalakshetra hall building will be repaired and the roof and floor of the hall will be renovated, said CMC Commissioner M L Ramesh.

The hall was constructed at the district headquarters even before Independence and it provided a platform for various cultural programmes.

Owing to the deplorable condition of the building, there was fear among the organisers to host programmes in the hall.

The cracked walls, broken window and doors, pathetic condition of the roof were attracting negative opinion of the visitors.

Though CMC had earmarked funds in its annual budget for the construction of Kaveri Kalakshetra two years ago, it has not materialised so far. The members had expressed displeasure at the failure of the government to release the grants in spite of submitting memorandum several times in the past.

The commissioner said, “Technical inputs from PWD have been sought for the renovation of the Kaveri Kalakshetra hall. An action plan has been prepared and the tender will be floated for the work shortly. The hall will also have new seating arrangements after the renovation work.”

Nagara Hitharakshana Vedike President Ravi Gowda said, “Kaveri Kalakshetra hall was crying for attention without any maintenance. A suitable platform should be provided for young talents and artistes after the renovation of Kaveri Kalakshetra.”

The local residents have urged the authorities to rent out Kaveri Kalakshetra hall for marriage functions to increase the income of the CMC.

Artist Raju from Kushalnagar said, “There is no dearth of artistes in Kodagu district. However, there are no platforms for the artistes to showcase their talent. The demand for Ranga Mandira and theatres in the district has not been fulfilled.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service , Madikeri / December 09th, 2019

Crop to Cup 2019 – Coffee Workshop with Marc Tormo at Old Kent Estates Coorg

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Coffee lovers are discovering new coffee destinations from within the cities all the way to the countryside, including the heartland of coffee in India – Coorg. This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to learn from a certified Q-Grader & connoisseur Marc Tormo, Roastmaster from Barcelona, who has more than 20 years of experience in the international coffee movement.

Harvest with the locals, learn about how coffee is sustainably cultivated in India while gaining a deeper appreciation of roasting techniques and experience the subtle notes hidden in the beans. Learn exciting brewing techniques and impress your friends with your barista skills creating art from the rich froth of your latte.

So, don’t miss the change to grab this opportunity with both hands! Because, this is a unique platform for all coffee lovers, coffee enthusiasts, those trying to make an entry into the coffee world, or simply those trying to impress their guests!

Date: 06th-09th December 2019

Venue: Old Kents Estate, Coorg

Price: Rs 30,000 ++ (all-inclusive stay in a spacious English cottage with a private garden)

For Reservations: Call 9789896454

source: http://www.hungryforever.com / Hungry Forever / Home> Events / by Christina George / November 29th, 2019

‘Coorg Village’ near Raja Seat to promote tourism

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
The work on Coorg Village in progress near Raja Seat in Madikeri. DH Photo
The work on Coorg Village in progress near Raja Seat in Madikeri. DH Photo

Those who visit Raja Seat in Madikeri are disappointed with only the park and hilly ranges in the surroundings. To attract tourists, the Department of Tourism and Horticulture have chalked out a plan for constructing ‘Coorg Village’ in two acres of land belonging to the horticulture department in front of Kundoorumotte Temple near Raja Seat.

The department has decided to use the land with a small lake for commercial purpose. Utilising Rs 98 lakh from the Department of Tourism, a total of 15 stalls will be constructed. Tourists who visit Omkareshwara Temple, Old Fort and Nehru Mantapa can spend their evening at the Coorg Village.

Under Coorg Village, three shopping complexes will come up with six, four and five stalls each in different locations. The home-made products prepared by SHG members under the Women and Child Development Department, food products prepared by flood victims will be sold in the stalls.

In addition, there are plans to develop the lake in the said land to promote tourism. Walkers path and seating arrangement will also be constructed for the tourists, said tourism department officials.

There are no plans to shift the stalls near Raja Seat right now. It has been decided to allocate stalls for the various departments, said tourism department assistant director Raghavendra to DH.

The surrounding nature is not harmed in the name of ‘Coorg village’, he added.

The foundation work on the complex has commenced. The stalls will be ready for inauguration before the monsoon, said labourers engaged in the work at the site.

Greens oppose idea

Kodagu Hasireekarana organisation has opposed the permission given to construct stalls for the flood victims in the land belonging to the horticulture department near Raja Seat.

Kodagu Hasireekarana president K G Harish said the department of horticulture has taken unilateral decision to allocate land for construction of stalls without gathering public opinion. The work should be stalled immediately.

He said, “Let the district administration identify government land in Madikeri and provide alternative facilities for the victims. The construction of stalls near Raja Seat will increase traffic congestion and will also increase the garbage mess. The district administration’s move to set up Coorg Village without floating tender and giving information to the public has raised doubts.”

He said there is a need to give priority to eco-friendly tourism. It is not right to spoil nature in the name of tourism promotion. The land owned by horticulture department should be earmarked for the park. The lake on the site should be rejuvenated.

Office-bearer of Kodagu Hasireekarana Kadratanda Pali Devaiah said, “The pedestrians will face inconvenience once bus services start on Race Course Road. The promise to instal a slab on the open drain to facilitate the movement of pedestrians by the CMC has not been fulfilled so far.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 29th, 2019

Huthri Festival On Dec.11

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kodagu’s harvest festival ‘Huthri’ will be celebrated across the district on Dec.11.

The date was fixed at a meeting held at Igguthapppa Temple on Monday.

Noted astrologer from Ammangeri Sashikumar announced the date at the meeting which was attended by heads of all thirteen Thakkas, members of the temple board and elder citizens.

The meeting also decided to celebrate the annual Kaladcha festival at Igguthappa Temple on Dec.10.

On Dec.11, the day of Huthri festival, Nere Kattuva ritual will be held at 7pm and reaping of new paddy crop at 8pm, following which prasadam distribution will take place at the temple.

On completion of the rituals at the Temple, the people of Kodagu will hold Nere Kattuva ritual at 7.35 pm, harvesting paddy at 8.35 pm and distribution of prasadam at 9.35 pm.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / Novemeber 27th, 2019

Kodava Samaja Sports Club fetes city advocate

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

Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Vijayanagar, felicitated city advocate Jammada M. Aiyanna recently during the Cultural Day function of the Club.

AdvocateJammadaKF28nov2019

He is seen with (from left) Nagachettira S. Uthappa – Committee Member, Machimada P. Nanaiah – President, Kuttimada D. Muthappa – Vice-President, Mechanda S. Bopanna – Committee Member (partially seen), Aramanamada M. Ponnanna – Committee Member, Kannambira N. Kushalappa – Hon. Secretary, Iychanda Ashwath Chengappa – Treasurer, Meederira K. Prakash – Joint Secretary, Alemada K. Nanjappa – Committee Member and Chemira B. Chengappa – Committee Member.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> PhotoNews / November 27th, 2019