Madikeri:

The 450 years old Mund Mane and Ain Mane (traditional ancestral house) belonging to the Mukkatira family in Arapattu village is now being used as the venue for conducting cultural events.

Kannada Sahitya Academy on Saturday organised a cultural event in this magnificent edifice of Kodava culture, heritage and history.

It was the first programme organised at the house other than family members. The house was safeguarded by the family members.

Ummathat by women, Bolkat, Kolat and Pareyakali by men attracted the villagers who attended the function.

Academy president Biddatanda Thammaiah said, he was happy to conduct cultural programmes in ancestral houses of Kodavas which are unique in their design and structures. ”It gives a new feeling and new ambience for both organisers and the audience.

If any other Kodava family has such traditional house, please inform the academy so that we can have cultural programmes there too,” he appealed.

Mukkatira family consists of 200 members settled across the district and outside. They will all gather at this house to celebrate Keilpold, Cauvery Sankramana and Huthari festivals. The offerings to “Guru karona” is also performed by all members of the family.

Former minister MC Nanaiah who attended the programme said the Mund and Ain Mane homes are symbols of prestige for Kodavas.

Mangaluru University professor and Kodava Study Institute head Kodira lokesh said, as many as 1050 Kodava families , 530 Ain Mane and 80 Mund Mane exist in Kodagu. It is a matter of pride for the Mukkatiraa family that it has 2 Mund Mane homes, he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Mysore / TNN / May 29th, 2016