“Kakkada Padinett” , the 18th day of “ Kakkada”month in Kodava calendar in Kodagu, which falls on Wednesday (August 3), is eagerly looked forward to by the people.

They consume porridge made of the essence of “madd toppu” or “ aati soppu” , a wild aromatic herb, to perpetuate one of the traditions of the district. People will throng the places where the herbal plants are sold in markets. It is also called as “ Kurunji toppu” in some places in the district. The leaves come along with the slender stems of the plants.

Sellers of “ aati soppu” dot the main streets of Madikeri on the eve of the celebrations. On the 18th day of the “ Kakkada” month, these leaves are said to be replete with 18 types of herbal medicines. They are plucked and soaked (some boil it) in water to extract the aromatic juice, which is thick and dark violet in colour. Women make cakes or sweet porridge out of the mix. Surprisingly, on the 18th day of “Kakkada” , the plants start emitting a sweet and unique aroma that is not found on the plants prior to or after the 18th day. The traditional beliefs and social mores are very strong in Kodagu. “ Kakkada” is a month in the Kodava calendar beginning in mid-July and ending in mid-August. It is said to be inauspicious. Marriages and other celebrations are a taboo in Kodagu, especially for Kodavas, during this month. Many do not even get haircuts.

Monsoon is associated with several rare occurrences in Kodagu. It is the time when fresh natural mushrooms emerge on the termite hills, banks of paddy fields and in forests. “ Baimbale” (bamboo shoot) or “ Kanile” is the other delicacy enjoyed by the people of Kodagu in rains. Though the Forest Department has imposed a ban on its collection from forests, it is available aplenty in the market and sold in the open. The drying up of the bamboo clumps in forests has made “baimbale” a scarce commodity in Kodagu this year. Consumption of both mushroom and bamboo shoots are said to balance the body temperatures during heavy rainy and windy days, elders say.

“Kakkada koli” (country fowl curry) is also a special delicacy in the district on this day.

This occasion used to be observed as a feast in Kodagu in the past.

Currently, people in almost the entire district involve themselves to eat “ madd payasa

source:  http://www.thehindu.com / National > Karnataka / by Staff  Correspondent /  Mysore, Aug 03rd, 2011