The Ammathi Kodava Samaj has taken a decision to ban serving of liquor during the Ganga Puja during the Kodava weddings.
Madikeri :
The Ammathi Kodava Samaj has taken a decision to ban serving of liquor during the Ganga Puja during the Kodava weddings. Anyone breaking this rule will have to pay a fine of Rs 25,000 to the samaj.
The decision was taken during the annual meet of the samaj and was supported by majority of the members.The traditional Kodava dance during the Ganga Puja is a two-hour ritual. However, the modern weddings extend it to over five hours.
“Serving of liquor is prohibited during the Ganga Puja until the bride completes the ritual of offering rice to Goddess Cauvery. A fine of Rs 25,000 will be levied on those who break this rule,” said M Bose Devaiah, president, Ammathi Kodava Samaj. He added that a fine of Rs 5,000 was levied earlier when the Ganga Puja exceeded the stipulated time.
“However, people used to pay this fine and continue with the dance. So, with an interest to preserve the original culture, we have taken this decision.” While this is the first of its kind decision, many opine that the rule will be adopted by other Kodava Samajs as well.
The decision has been welcomed by many. However, a Madikeri resident opined, “The affluent crowd book the Ammathi Kodava Samaj … they will not mind paying a fine of Rs 25,000 and continue enjoying the wedding ceremony as per their wish.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 21st, 2019
Plans on to revive the unique Centre at Madikeri after Lok Sabha Elections
While a unique Kodava Cultural Centre on a sprawling 15-acre land at the sleepy and picturesque Balugodu, 6 km from Virajpet in Kodagu is attracting Kodava community members in hordes for marriages and other social, cultural and community gatherings, the ambitious Kodava Heritage Centre being built on a four-acre land at Karavale Badaga Village on the outskirts of Madikeri has been abandoned for reasons best known to the District Authorities.
Only 30 percent of the works are complete and despite money being sanctioned to the project, the work contractor has abandoned the project. The Kodava Heritage Centre was initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in 2009-2010 and it sanctioned Rs. 1.45 crore. Later, the funds were increased to Rs. 2.53 crore. The foundation stone was laid on Sept. 21, 2011 and work began in full swing at Karavale Badaga in a place is located at a height and is visible from far and wide.
The project was conceptualised to showcase the traditional ‘Mundh Mane’ and ‘Ain Mane’ (ancestral home) as the concept of Ain Mane was fast disappearing as lands continue to be commercialised. Ain Mane is a place where all members belonging to a particular family lived in good olden days. However, now Ain Mane is a mere tradition as elders have gone, families have split and migrated in search of greener pastures.
Kodava Heritage Centre construction works abandoned.
Ain Mane has an important role in the socio-cultural traditions of Kodavas. Each Ain Mane belongs to an ‘okka’ (patrilineal clan) that is identified by a family name. There are over 1,000 Kodava families each with a distinct family name. Though most of the families do not have an Ain Mane of their own, a few families that have Ain Mane are protecting the tradition by organising social events.
These events include “meedhi,” “Guru Karona” (ancestral worship) where men, women and children of the family who are settled outside the district are brought together. Festivals such as “Puttari,” “Kail Poldu” and “Cauvery Changrandi” are also celebrated at Ain Mane.
The Kodava Heritage Centre was planned to preserve the culture of ancestral homes and to showcase the unique concept to tourists. The Centre was supposed to reflect unique architectural styles of Ain Mane that dated back to 150 to 250 years ago. The Centre was supposed to feature unique features like Museum, Art Gallery and Cultural Theatre (Amphitheatre), reflecting the heritage value of Kodagu.
Considering the importance of the Heritage Centre, the Kodagu Tourism Department was entrusted with its construction and accordingly, the contractor was finalised and the Public Works Department initiated the work through the contractor. Even the work began in full swing and the Centre was supposed to be handed over to the Tourism Department on Sept. 21, 2012, taking one full year for construction.
Wild growth of weeds mar amphitheatre under construction.
It is 2019 now, and even after seven years, the construction has not been completed and the place now resembles a haunted house with weeds all over. Local people said that the contractor has not followed the standard construction procedures and has used sub-standard materials. The granite slabs which are supposed to last for years together, is peeling off and the walls have developed cracks.
On Mar. 2, 2018, Tourism Department Director had visited the Heritage Centre and had directed the PWD officials to complete the works in four months. Despite this, nothing has moved and the place continues to lie in neglect.
Rathi Vinay Jha initiated the project
The idea of Kodava Heritage Centre in Madikeri was mooted by senior IAS Officer (now retired) Rathi Vinay Jha and she is the force behind setting up the Centre. Rathi retired as the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and she hails from Kodagu. She initiated the Kodava Heritage Centre when she was the Tourism Secretary and was instrumental in sanctioning funds from the Union Government.
Rathi Vinay Jha is the sister of late Codanda G. Somiah who held high posts including Planning Commission Secretary, under the chairmanship of former PM Manmohan Singh, Home Secretary when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister, Central Vigilance Commissioner and finally the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
‘Works will be handed over to Nirmithi Kendra’
The works to complete the abandoned Kodava Heritage Centre will be handed over to Nirmithi Kendra or some other government construction agency, said Deputy Director of Tourism Department, Mysuru H.P. Janardhan under whose purview falls Kodagu tourism.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Janardhan said that initially, the work was handed over to a Mysuru-based contractor. “As he has abandoned the project despite the release of funds, we have blacklisted the contractor. Once the Lok Sabha Election Model Code of Conduct period ends, we will hand over the works to Nirmithi Kendra or some other government construction agency. We will complete the project and make it a major tourist attraction,” he said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Prasad Sampigekatte / March 2019
Rashtrakavi Kuvempu’s daughter Tarini and writer Chidananda Gowda presented ‘Kodagina Gowramma Endowment Award’ for the year 2018-19, to Government First Grade College Napoklu principal Dr Kaveri Prakash, in Madikeri on Wednesday.
Kodagina Gowramma Endowment Award for the year 2018-19 was presented to writer and Government First Grade College Napoklu principal Dr Kaveri Prakash.
Rastrakavi Kuvempu’s daughter Tarini and writer Chidananda Gowda presented the award to Dr Kaveri, during a programme organised by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, on the birth anniversary of litterateur Kodagina Gowramma, in Madikeri on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Tarini said that the nature of Kodagu has inspired many writers and poets, including her father Kuvempu. “Malnad was close to his heart,” said Tarini.
Tarini further said that Kodagina Gowramma was known for her short stories in Kannada. Her writings reflected noble values.
Tarini recalled reading Gowramma’s stories during her childhood. Unfortunately, Gowramma’s lived only for 27 years, she added.
Writer Chidananda Gowda said that young writers of today should read the works of writers of yesteryear like Kodagina Gowramma.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Kaveri Prakash said that Kodagina Gowramma’s thoughts were rational and mature.
Her short stories came after a deep thought process and research, she added.
Dr Kaveri Prakash’s book ‘Kodavara Samskaragalu’ was selected for Kodagina Gowramma award by Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat district president B S Lokesh Sagar, Kodagu Zilla Lekhakiyara Balaga president Kasturi Govinda Mayya and writer Susheela were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – March 13th, 2019
Host of Indian Army weapons to be displayed at Gen. K.S. Thimayya Memorial Museum in Madikeri
First it was an Army Tank that arrived at ‘Sunny Side’, Gen. Kodandera Subayya Thimayya’s house in Madikeri that is being converted into a museum. Next is the turn of weapons used by the soldiers of Indian Army to arrive at the house. And all these have arrived as per the directions of Chief of Army Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat.
During his visit to Kodagu on Nov. 4, 2017 to unveil the bronze statues of Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa and General Kodandera S. Thimayya at Cauvery College in Gonikoppal, South Kodagu, Gen. Rawat had promised to deliver vintage weapons to increase the value of ‘Sunny Side’ so that it can be a major military attraction.
With works to convert ‘Sunny Side’ on G.T. Road in Madikeri into a memorial museum, weapons have started arriving as promised by Gen. Rawat. First it was an Army Tank that was transported by road from Kirkee War Cemetery at Khadki, a town near Pune in Maharashtra, to the General Thimayya Museum.
The weapons that were used by the soldiers of Indian Army in the past during many operations have been donated to the museum. The weapons include Light Machine Guns that are over 60 years old, Medium Machine guns, Self-Loading Rifles, 7.62 and 303 Bore rifles, rocket launchers, 32 mm rifle and 38 mm rifles, among others.
With the shipment of weapons reaching the museum, preparations are underway to assemble the spare parts of the weapons, according to Army Officials. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa-General K.S. Thimayya Forum Convenor Major Biddanda A. Nanjappa said that visitors will get to see a cannon used by the Indian Army which is being transported from Madras Regiment of the Indian Army.
“Army Chief Gen. Rawat had provided a list of 1,400 guns and the Forum members were asked to choose any 45 guns from the list. Accordingly we prepared the list of the arms that we wanted for the museum and sent it to the Army Chief,” Maj. Nanjappa told Star of Mysore.
But as the arms and their spares were deposited at different arms depots across the country, there was delay in the shipment of arms to the museum at Madikeri. Later, the Forum presented a memorandum to Major General Kodanda P. Cariappa, who is working in the Military regiment of the President of India, who in turn formed a six member team headed by Hawaldar Sarjit Singh to despatch the arms.
The Medium Machine Gun that will be displayed at the museum has the capacity to easily kill an enemy soldier who is at a distance of two miles. The Light Machine Guns were used by a platoon to rain bullets on the enemy while Bazooka Rocket Launchers blew enemy posts and bunkers at the border to smithereens. Even some of the personal arms used by the soldiers in one-on-one combat will be displayed.
Maj. Nanjappa further said that Gen. Rawat has agreed to provide a Bofors gun in the museum premises. As the Bofors gun is a huge one, the Madras Regiment has been entrusted with the responsibility of transportation and installation. The Bofors gun will be among the main attractions at the ‘Sunny Side’.
The arms and ammunition will provide a galaxy of information to the younger generation on old-time war guns and machinery and the Museum will also inspire the youths to join the Armed Forces, he said. “Visitors can actually feel the guns to understand the battle-line difficulties and how modern weaponry has made India to fight the enemy effectively,” he added.
‘Sunny Side’ is being renovated and artworks featuring the valour of Indian soldiers on the battlefield will occupy the centre stage. Other main attractions of the museum will be the articles used by Gen. K.S. Thimayya, military uniforms, books and information on Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Besides, there are plans to design a park and install a statue of K.S. Thimayya on the two- acre plot. It may be mentioned here that the State Government had announced the opening of Gen. K.S. Thimayya Memorial Museum.
Subsequently, the Kodagu district administration had submitted a Rs. 5.5 crore proposal to the State Government for approval. So far, Rs. 3.5 crore out of the total estimate of Rs. 6 crore has been utilised for renovation and other expenses related to the museum, according to officials, who also said that the Museum will become one of the major tourist attractions of Kodagu.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / March 2019
Jaggery coffee may not be your cup of tea but expect the brown brew to be presented as a welcome drink at a resort in the middle of a large coffee plantation, such as the Cottabetta bungalow in Pollibetta, Coorg, south Karnataka. Nearly 130 years old, this plantation resort was once the residence of British planters. Owned by the Tatas now, it consists of a Kerala-style house with the bedrooms around the inner courtyard, offering the old-world charm and comfort.
On the hillsides, a dense forest of short and stunted trees bearing this exotic berry, in the shadow of the taller trees on which pepper creepers climb high, abounds. The soil here is good for a host of other spices, too. That’s what the traders from the west came looking for, and then settled down to rule our country.
A tour of this particular plantation gives an insight into the process of producing coffee. According to a tour guide, Udhav, a coffee plant starts yielding berries after seven years, and then goes on doing it for over 75 years. Initially the berries are red, but turn brown once they go through several stages of drying, pulping, roasting and grinding before landing on our tables as the brew with a heady aroma. Robusta is the variety that grows here. It’s the favourite of the elephants, too. Most plantations are surrounded by an electric fence to protect them from pachyderms (animals like elephants, hippopotamus and rhinoceros) but, says Udhav, “sometimes they find out how to switch it off. Generally, it is the matriarch of the herd who knows how”!
Monastery
In another direction from Madikeri, about five kilometres off the Bangalore road, lies a Buddhist monastery, Namdroling. This seminary imparts education in the Nyingmapa tradition of Buddhism. Over 3,000 students from the primary to postgraduate level, from the Himalayan regions and abroad, “chant and study, work and practice” here. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche set up this monastery in 1963.
He “attained Mahaparinirvana” in 2009. The Dalai Lama consecrated it and christened it as Namdroling, though its full name is Thegchog Namdrol Shedrub Dargyeling (Land of increasing practice and teaching of the utmost yana that achieves spontaneous liberation). The centre is also known as the Golden Temple because of the three 40-feet high, gilded statues of the Buddhist icons. The entire complex has been elaborately decorated with the Tibetan-style paintings, murals and religious figures. Bylakuppe, a small town where this is located, is a far cry from Tibet in terms of climate and culture but it houses the second largest Tibetan settlement after Dharamsala.
Around 40km from Madikeri is Talakaveri, on the Brahmagiri hill, the source of the Kaveri river. A tank marks the source of the river, and a nearby temple is a popular place for pilgrimage. Not too far from Madikeri lies the Dubare elephant camp. It is located on the banks of Kaveri. Apart from watching big animals, one can do some still-river rafting close by. The best time to visit Coorg is soon after the rains when water cascades down the falls and mist rises up to shroud the mountains. Perhaps, that’s why it’s also known as the Scotland of India.
source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Spectrum> Travel / by Lalit Mohan / March 10th, 2019
St Michael’s Church Madikeri is the main Church of Kodagu deanary with almost 500 families. The renovation of the sanctuary and the altar of this church have added beauty and have created a better atmosphere for prayer and liturgical services.
The beautiful sanctuary was blessed by Fr K A William, bishop of diocese of Mysuru on March 5 during the Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by Fr Madalai Muthu, dean of Kodagu deanary, Fr Alfred John Mendonca, parish priest of St Michael’s Church, Fr Naveen Kumar, correspondent and the priests from different parishes of Mysuru diocese. The bishop blessed the sanctuary, cross, statues of Mother Mary and St Michael, Lectern, altar and tabernacle during the Eucharistic celebration.
The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a short felicitation programme mastered by Justin P J Fr Naveen Kumar, correspondent of St Michael’s Educational Institutions. He welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering.
Fr William K.A, bishop of Mysuru diocese, Walter Pinto, architect and designer of the renovated sanctuary and altar, and Fr Alfred John Mendonca, parish Priest of St Michael’s Church Madikeri were honored.
Charles D’Cunha, Sujay, Martin P J, and Stalin Philip were also given a memento each for their service towards the renovation of the sanctuary.
Fr Alfred John Mendonca, parish priest rendered the vote of thanks. He appreciated the selfless service of parish council secretary Johnson K A and all the parish council members, their cooperation and generous contribution by the parishioners and the service offered by the Sisters of the Congregations of St Joseph of Tarbes and Bethany. The beautiful ceremony concluded with a fellowship meal.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / Media Release / March 07th, 2019
The gorgeous and tall model-turned-actress is hoping to go from glam to character roles with ease. Shubra Aiyappa
After making her presence felt in Telugu and Tamil, she faced “no problem” in her debut venture in Kannada — Vajrakaya as well. She walked her way into success, featuring in one of the most popular songs of 2015, No Problem sung by Tamil actor Dhanush featuring alongside Century Star Shivarajkumar. A peppy number which celebrates the beauty and height of a pretty girl, the song has garnered more than 10 million views on various social media sites till now. The actress’s next film was John Seena directed by Simple Suni. Now, the model-turned-actress Shubra Aiyappa has signed her latest Kannada venture titled Ramana Avatara for which she will soon start shooting. She speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle on her new avatar and the ‘heights’ of opportunity coming her way, and more.
“Though I featured in just a song, and a couple of scenes in Vajrakaya, it has brought me immense fame and recognition. It was as good as a full-fledged debut in Kannada. Later, I kept getting similar opportunities to portray similar ‘glam doll’ roles where I was expected to just look glamorous. This is why I did not sign many of them. Eventually, John Seena directed by Simple Suni happened. It is ready, and for some reason, the release has been delayed. It has a great role that explores my full potential as an actress. I have also signed my next in Kannada film titled Ramana Avatara, and am thrilled about it,” says Shubra Aiyappa.
The actress does not want to take up movies just to add to her project list as it makes no sense to her. “For me, the film and role has to be relevant and exciting. What I look for, is quality of a script, the team and other crucial factors like casting before taking up a project. Thus, despite several opportunities, I have worked in only one movie after Vajrakaya. In John Seena, I play a girl’s character which has dual shades, similar to playing a dual role. It has an interesting plot and the change in appearance of my character along with its personality is the reel deal for me as an artist,” she shares, adding that unfortunately it is yet to release and once it does, the actress is confident that it will pave the way for more good roles rather than just being a glamour quotient on the silver screen.
In Ramana Avatara, she shares the screen space with Rishi, Raj B Shetty, Danish Sait, Pranitha Subhash and another actress. Directed by Vikas and Vinay Pampapathi, (brothers), it is going to be a fun filled venture.
She is also busy modelling, and recently shot for a prestigious annual calendar event. Shubra feel that modelling and films are two completely different worlds. “As a model, the focus is on looking good and to make sure I can add value to my endorsements. However, movies are about adding value to a character with emotions. I am no more walking the ramp for shows, and if I do, it is when I get the invites as a show stopper,” she says.
Shubra’s height has sometimes become an issue but that does not stop her in any way. “Yes, sometimes it is an issue. In fact, in Vajrakaya Shivanna who is way shorter than me celebrated my height in the song. I am different and it is the perspective on how one looks at it. However, if one looked at Deepika Padukone, and many more actresses who are taller, they have achieved success and that is the best way to look at their life, and not look at height as an issue.”
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by Shashiprasad, Deccan Chronicle / March 06th, 2019
It’s not what you expect to see in the heart of the Western Ghats around the spot where the river Cauvery originates.
Mottana C. Ravi Kumar
Nestled in the Western Ghats, where the river Cauvery originates, is a little-known memorial. On it are inscribed the names of 49 soldiers from a village nearby, who lost their lives in World Wars 1 and 2. It’s a heroic and elaborate effort by Mottana C. Ravi Kumar, an advocate and the son of an army man. Over the years, officers like Kargil war veteran Major Rakesh Sharma have visited the memorial, much to Kumar’s pride, writes Aksheev Thakur
It’s not what you expect to see in the heart of the Western Ghats around the spot where the river Cauvery originates. But venture deep into the green canopy of the ghats and you come across a war memorial inscribed with the names of 49 soldiers from a village here, who lost their lives in World Wars I and II.
Cherangala village in Kodagu has an advocate, Mottana C Ravi Kumar, the son of an army man, to thank for the memorial that pays tribute to its patriotic sons killed in the two wars.
It’s an elaborate memorial, the statute having come from Mohali. It nearly got a T-55 tank too, but the bridge in the village was not strong enough to carry it, forcing that plan to be abandoned . Next to the statue stands an Ashok Stambh with each side inscribed with Kavi Pradeep’s famous “Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon” Iqbal’s “Sare Jahan se Accha,” Rabindranath Tagore’s “Where the Mind is Without Fear” and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s “Vande Mataram. “
The songs and the memorial are meant to inspire the young of the village , the advocate tells you. “Soldiers serve in inhospitable conditions and this is my little ode to them,” he says.
Distinguished officers of the the country’s armed forces like Field Marshal K M Cariappa’s son, Air Marshal (retd) KC Cariappa, Lt. Gen. (retd.), G S Nanda, and Kargil war veteran, Major Rakesh Sharma have visited the memorial over the years, much to the pride of the villagers, who continue to honour the memory of the men they sent off to war.
The army man that he was, Mr Ravi Kumar’s father wanted him to join the armed forces too, but he insisted on becoming a doctor. “Ultimately, I did not become either a doctor or a soldier, but an advocate and moved to Bengaluru to practice,” he smiles.
But he did flirt with the idea of joining the army, spending some time at the Dholpur Military School near Agra as a young man. “Father joined the army in 1941. When I joined the military school, the 1962 Indo-China war erupted. The principal often gave five and six-year-old children news of their fathers achieving martyrdom on the battlefield and I saw them crying. The scene was repeated in the 1965 war and this drew me emotionally close to the armed forces,” he recalls.
But the idea of the memorial in the village was born quite by chance. Being an advocate, he once filed a writ petition in court on the lack of road connectivity to his village and the resulting disadvantage this placed its families in when it came to getting brides for their sons as parents were reluctant to send their daughters away to such a remote spot in the ghats. “ Children had to travel five miles to go to school. So when I became an advocate I filed a writ petition in the high court and it was passed by Justice Gopal Gowda,” he adds .
During one of their meetings, Justice Gowda pointed out to him that he had not invited him to the village after the road was built to connect it to the rest of the state. “It was then that the idea of the war memorial came up as I could not have invited him for just the road,” he says. And he went on to build it at the spot where it still stands in memory of the village’s bravehearts.
A strong believer in the words of Swami Vivekananda that, “They only live who live for others, rest are more dead than alive, “ the advocate has fought several cases of defence personnel too over the years.
But he has not stopped there. Unlike many in Kodagu, who run homestays, Mr Ravi Kumar runs an orphanage as he feels someone has to take care of children with no one to turn to.
“There over 25 million orphans in India according to the United Nations and of them 10 lakh sleep on the streets of Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. We have not even done an independent census of orphans although countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka have. But if we take the statistics of the UN into account, they form 2 per cent of the population and are not receiving any attention. The SCs, STs and OBCs have reservation, what about the orphans, who don’t know what their religion or caste is?” he asks pertinently.
Mr Ravi Kumar takes care of the children not only till they turn 18, but till they make their own way in life. “At least they can then go on to become soldiers in the Indian Army, if not officers,” he concludes.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Lifestyle, viral and trending / by Aksheev Thakur, Deccan Chronicle / March 02nd, 2019
Professor Lissie Mathew’s book, Kathivanoor Veeran: Malakayariya Manushyan, Churamirangiya Daivam, traces the evolution of an ordinary man to God
Mannappan and Chemmarathy were not exactly a model couple, they fought as intensely as they loved. When he dies in war, after a domestic squabble, Chemmarathy is heartbroken, the last words she uttered to him were the unkindest. She jumps into his pyre and the two attain godly status. This is an extraordinary tale of Mannappan, a man who goes up to Coorg in Karnataka from his village, Mangad in Kannur, dies a war hero, and returns as Kathivanoor Veeran. To this date, few can listen to the tragic hero’s tale without a lump in the throat.
Professor Lissie Mathew’s book, Kathivanoor Veeran: Malakayariya Manushyan, Churamirangiya Daivam, retraces Mannappan’s journey to Kodagu (Coorg). Having grown up in Vayattuparambu in Kannur, Lissie’s childhood was full of the stories and colours of Theyyam. And she had always wanted to explore the story of Kathivanoor Veeran. A professor of Malayalam at the Sankaracharya College, Kalady, working on its Payyannur campus, she has to her credit 12 books.
Kathivanoor Veeran is one among the most popular Theyyams, for it is a visual spectacle where the performer indulges in acrobatics and comes in close contact with fire. “It is an experience to watch Kathivanoor Veeran in action. I wanted to bring out the hero’s story through this book,” Lissie says.
The book delves into the micro-histories of Northern Malabar, where folktales, fiction, fact and history mingle in curious ways. It also explains the Theyyam, its rituals and practices in a detailed manner.
Excerpts from an interview with Lissie Mathew
Can you describe your relationship with the work.
I should say the book came out straight out of my mind, though it took four years of research, travel and interaction with people, to complete. It was hard work, but I wanted to trace Kathivanoor Veeran’s route from Mangad in Kannur to Kodagu (modern day Coorg). Through the thottam (the song sung before the ritualistic practice), which describes Mannappan’s life and death in great detail, one can get an insight into the geography, culture, mores and history of North Malabar. I followed the thottam to retrace Mannappan’s journey.
The thottam would have been difficult to interpret as it is in archaic Malayalam, often in the local dialect.
Yes. I could not understand it, the first time I heard it. I got the thottam singers to sing it for me, recorded it and I listened to it over and over again, until it began to make sense. It is fascinating, how these songs combine legend, history, reality and imagination. Most of the places mentioned in the thottams remain, though in different names. These thottams speak of a culture that is over a 1,000 years old.
What is the relevance of Theyyam today?
Theyyam talks about people and their problems, their relationship with Nature and fellow creatures. A rural-agricultural lifestyle makes up its very foundation. For instance, a Kathivanoor Veeran Theyyam performance is always followed by an annadanam (feast), which everyone partakes of. In this day and age, when we, as a people are becoming more self-centred, this is an example of how we are a part of our community and how we need to share our resources.
Performed most often in sacred groves (kaavus), it is important to understand the relevance of preserving these pockets of biodiversity intact. It is heartening to see that even the younger generation respects the rituals associated with Theyyam. By wanting to preserve the sanctity of Theyyam’s rituals, they are also contributing towards preserving the ecosystem.
Theyyam is performed by people in the subaltern communities. The Chirakkal Kolathiris, the rulers of the land, gave certain subaltern communities the right to perform Theyyam and it is continued to this day. Once they become Gods, even the upper castes, pray to them.
In that sense, Theyyam is undoubtedly, extremely relevant today.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Anasuya Menon / February 28th, 2019
The doe-eyed beauty who has wowed the audience in two South Indian industries, Rashmika Mandanna is now getting set for a Tamil debut…
Rashmika Mandanna
In a little more than two years, she has had six movies to her credit — three in Kannada and Telugu (each). All have been declared box office hits. She also has four more projects in her kitty among them is Yajamana, starring with Challenging Star Darshan which releases this Friday. There are also reports about her Tamil debut opposite Karthi in a yet-untitled project to be directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan.
A rare feat for an actress, she is ‘reely’ living a wonderful dream, which she says has been a “roller coaster” ride. Now, she is set on a fast forward MO to fame. True to a tattoo on one of her arms that reads “irreplaceable,” Rashmika Mandanna has achieved what many would need atleast a decade to achieve. What makes it more special, is that this pretty Coorg lass has done it in not one but two big South Indian film industries. That too simultaneously!
The beautiful actress who hails from Coorg, Rashmika speaks exclusively to Bengaluru Chronicle about her impressive two year career, her star-studded filmi journey, her most expected movie Yajamana, her die-hard fans, social causes and her little sister Shiman Mandanna and more.
“I have been living my dream for the past two years. All I ever wanted was to keep busy and do work which made me proud. And meet new people, and travel. I am glad I am doing what I wanted to. Kirik Party will always remain my most special moment,” is what Rashmika had penned when she completed her two year journey in films, ending it with a special note, thanking her huge fan following who made it even more special.
“Yes, it has been a roller coaster life on fast forward mode. I had the greatest opportunity to learn and work with some of the best and most humble personalities. About my latest Kannada film Yajamana, it is certainly not my return to Kannada after some time, because I have been busy with the film for more than a year, and due to some delays in the post production stage, the film is releasing now,” says Rashmika Mandanna.
While she has been successful in both Kannada and Telugu films, there are reports about her Kollywood (Tamil) debut which she cannot reveal more about. According to reports, it was announced on Sunday that Rashmika has been signed on for a role opposite Karthi in a yet to be titled project directed by Bakkiyaraj Kannan of the Remo fame.
The film by Dream Warrior Pictures is set to go on the floors in a month or two. Currently dubbed as K19, the film will mark the first time collaboration between Karthi and Bakkiyaraj Kannan, and it’s tipped to be a film high on action and comedy.
After Kirik Party in Kannada, she was paired opposite both the Golden Star and the Power Star, and now she takes another challenging role in her stride, alongside Challenging Star Darshan in Yajamana, which is directed by composer-turned-director V Harikrishna, and is produced by the popular Shylaja Nag.
“The character of Kaveri, I portray in Yajamana is loud with a lot of energy. During the shooting of the film, I would feel so exhausted at the end of the day, but all that hard work reflects onscreen as well. Moreover, with such a chilled co-star like Darshan Sir, who cares for others along with a dedicated team, it was all worth it. Yajamana is one movie which I am pinning great hopes on. I essay a completely different character from my previous roles,” she adds. Juggling between Kannada and Telugu, the actress feels that travelling is the only downside in her dual industry stint though, she adds, “For an artist who is doing three movies a year in one language, it cannot be hard to do it in two different languages. Though I had some grasp of Malayalam growing up with friends who spoke the language, I had no clue about Telugu,” she reveals. She adds, “I could not even say how are you in Telugu. Now, I can converse in Telugu very easily.”
Rashmika is very active on social media and has been very vocal in support of her huge fan following. “If I could meet every fan, and invite them my home for dinner, I would do so. It is their love and support which makes my journey so special and if anybody talks bad about them, I get annoyed, hence my straight replies to those who speak negatively about my fans,” she explains.
The actress has also been standing up for social causes. “Now that I have the access to do my bit, I am more than happy to extend support. So much of negativity has been around lately. We all can understand if it is a natural calamity but when innocent lives are lost, what is the purpose of all this when we cannot stand in solidarity for such brave hearts who make supreme sacrifices,” Rashmika says of the tragic Pulwama attack.
An important critic in her life is her little sister Shiman Mandanna. “Yes, she gauges all my work. I can easily guess when she doesn’t like it. She has been my biggest critic, which I miss a lot at times. She takes my case and keeps a close watch on what I am up to. She is more like my ‘elder sister.’ A don and a cute rowdy,” she wraps up.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> Sandalwood / by Shashi Prasad SM / Deccan Chronicle / February 27th, 2019
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