Adidev Press’s latest book talks about Kodava culture of Coorg region

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

“Priya the Jungle Dancer” by Sathya Achia and illustrated by Janan Abir is a story that explores the unbreakable bond and love between children and their grandparents.

“Priya the Jungle Dancer” by Sathya Achia and illustrated by Janan Abir is a story that explores the unbreakable bond and love between children and their grandparents.

It also introduces the readers to the nature-loving culture of the Kodava community of the Coorg region in Karnataka. Their love for nature gets manifested through their folk music and dances like “Ummathat” in which women wearing colorful dresses and jewelry honor River Kaveri for helping them sustain life.

This way the book teaches young readers numerous lessons about familial bonds, appreciating nature, and being brave in tough situations like Priya, the protagonist.

The story starts with Priya rehearsing for her dance performance through a video call with her grandparents (Thatha and Thaye) who live overseas in a village near a Jungle in India. Her grandparents are assisting her in learning some graceful and enthralling dance moves which are inspired by their experienced observation of the jungle around them.

The author describes the dance steps by using various evocative similes which create an enigmatic imagery of the free-flowing nature in the minds of the reader. As ‘Thatha’ (grandfather) topples his tabla, he sings along to his little granddaughter to dance like the fierce monsoon rains, remain strong like a palm tree in a storm, and be determined like a growing lotus. This way, they remind Priya that she is an inherent jungle dancer and does not have to feel scared or hesitant about her performance.

The story evocatively portrays how customs and values are passed across generations. The heartwarming story is drawn from the childhood experience of the author who shared a close bond with her own Thatha and Thaye.

Though her grandparents lived oceans apart, she shared a strong and endearing relationship with them. Adding to the charm of the story are the beautiful illustrations that take the reader along in Priya’s dance endeavor. The illustrations deserve appreciation for giving attention to the minutest details, particularly in showcasing Priya’s traditional costume. The use of childhood pictures of the author also adds to the story’s fascinating nature, making it a more realistic and authentic experience for the readers.

The story in short acts as a gentle reminder to young children to explore one’s roots by interacting with their grandparents who are nothing less than a treasure full of experiences.

The book is priced at Rs399 and is published by Adidev Press.

source: http://www.thestatesman.com / The Statesman / Home> Features / by Shreya Bansal, New Delhi / July 08th, 2024

Centenarian Passes Away

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Obituary

Ammathi (Kodagu):

Machimanda Mittoo Appaiah (Munjandira), wife of late Appaiah and a resident of Cauvery Cottage, Ammathi-Polibetta Road, passed away on Aug. 3 in the town. She was 100. She leaves behind sons Cariappa and Devaiah and a host of relatives and friends.

Her another son Ganapathy had predeceased her.

Last rites were held at Kavadi on Aug. 4, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 12th, 2024

One year after opening store, this homegrown label releases a coffee dyed edit that is sure to surprise!

Uncategorized

“Using waste coffee grounds is part of this effort to create beautiful products and contribute to a healthier planet,” says Kabir Singh, designer of The Shop.

Ensembles from the Coffee Dyed Collection

The Shop is a one-year old store run by a family business in Indiranagar that focuses on producing objects of beautiful living. Their inspiration is hand crafted textile, an awakening of traditional art, an observance of individuality and the realisation of living in a sacred space. Their passion is reviving crafts communities by integrating contemporary design with the expert workmanship of traditional craft.

“At 50, older, wiser and more compassionate, we believe in leading the way towards harmonious living, especially in light of our planetary health crisis. Sustainability and social responsibility have become our core values,” opens Kabir Singh, designer and MD, The Shop.

With a wide product range that consists of summer dresses, nightwear, tops, trousers, men’s wear, bed linen, table linen, kitchen, clothing, nightwear, kids, stoles and bags, they actively support the work of an NGO called Disha in bringing hope to the street children of Kolkata and the KDML School in Madikeri, Kodagu — that educates children with special needs.

Ensembles from the Coffee Dyed Collection

“Since the inception of The Shop in 1969, we have been working with traditional techniques like kalamkari, ajrakh, bhag and many more. The team at The Shop now looks at expanding and exploring more sustainable printing techniques and coffee is our newest excitement. We have had a Blue Tokai Coffee Shop at our workshop for many years. While we have been enjoying their coffee for a long time, we never thought of getting inspiration for our textiles from their excellent coffee. We regularly have design team meetings where we look at ways to innovate with new eco-friendly materials and practices. Using waste coffee grounds is part of this effort to create beautiful products and contribute to a healthier planet. The coffee collection is part of our larger Terra range which includes products dyed and printed using natural, vegetable and plant based ingredients,” explains Kabir as we catch up with him for a quick conversation around their newest edit, the Coffee Dyed Collection launched recently to coincide with the 1st anniversary of their new store.

Ensemble from the Coffee Dyed Collection

Tell us about the new collection, what was it inspired by?

The new Coffee Dyed Collection, is yet another drive to create something sustainable in the world of fast fashion. It reflects our commitment to sustainability by using leftover coffee residues from our inhouse cafe, Blue Tokai and also nearby cafes to create rich, warm and natural dyes.

Is this edit a part of a series?

It is a part of the Terra range, more specifically we use vegetable dyes in the Terra range but in this new one, its leftover brewed coffee. This collection is unique and will surely be a trendsetter because it embraces a zero-waste approach, using coffee residues as dye. It’s a step further in our journey towards eco-friendly fashion and a mindful way to dispose of coffee waste produced in mass.

Are there any motifs or designs that are specific to this collection?

The collection is printed using block printed techniques and the motifs and designs used are classics to The Shop. This is because we wanted to compliment the age old traditional block printing with the new and evolving coffee dyed patterns.

Do take us through the colour palette used in this edit?

The colour palette includes warm browns, deep mocha, caramel hues and soft beige — all derived from coffee. These tones create a cozy, inviting aesthetic perfect for any wardrobe.

Ensemble from the Coffee Dyed Collection

What are the fabrics you have chosen for this collection?

We’ve chosen natural fabrics like cotton voile and cambric, which absorb the coffee dye beautifully and ensure comfort and breathability.

What are the silhouettes we can look forward to?

The collection includes The Shop’s own styles like begum kurta, tara tunic, angel tops, kimonos, PJ sets, lounge pants and men’s kurtas both in long and short styles all designed to offer ease and elegance. Also look forward to eco products like table linen mats, napkins, bed linen, cushions, kitchen curtains bags, scarves, nightwear, loungewear, tops, dresses and pants, that are not part of the collection but are available at the store.

INR 1,500 onwards. At Indiranagar.

Email: romal@newindianexpress.com / X: @elromal

source: http://www.indulgexpress.com / Indulge, Indian Express / Home> New Launches / by Roman Laisram / July 27th, 2024

August Adventures: Why Coorg in Karnataka is your perfect travel destination this month

Uncategorized

The month of August features various events and festivals like Independence Day, Rakshabandhan, and Janmashtami. With so many holidays this month, you must consider planning an exciting trip to this stunning destination.

In August?

August is the monsoon season in Coorg, which means this destination is lush and green, with cascading waterfalls and vibrant landscapes. The coffee plantations and hills take on a mesmerizing charm in this season. 

The temperature is cooler due to the monsoon, making it a comfortable time to explore the outdoors without the intense summer heat.

Coorg celebrates the Kodava Festival during this time, which offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

Attractions like Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, and the Dubare Elephant Camp are especially scenic in the monsoon, with increased water flow and misty surroundings.

The lush environment provides opportunities for activities like trekking, bird-watching, and river rafting, enhanced by the monsoon ambiance.

Coorg’s natural beauty, offers monsoon’s refreshing touch, making it an ideal destination for a serene and picturesque getaway in August.

Image credits- Freepik

source: http://www.mynation.com / My Nation / Home> Travel News / August 12th, 2024

Karnataka has 4126 elephants in Nilgiri biosphere

Uncategorized

As per the 2023 report, the state as a whole houses 6395 elephants, which is 25% of India’s elephant population.

The Tamil Nadu forest department in coordination with neighbouring Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh conducted a synchronised elephant population estimation (File photo | Express)

Bengaluru :

As per the latest elephant census report done in the southern states Nilgiri biosphere, Karnataka houses 4126 elephants.

This is apart from the all state elephant estimation exercise which was done in 2023 of all southern states. As per the 2023 report, the state as a whole houses 6395 elephants, which is 25% of India’s elephant population.

The report released on Monday on the occasion of World Elephant Day by chief minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and  forest, environment and ecology department minister Eshwar B Khandre, there are 4126 elephants in the Karnataka portion of the Nilgiri biosphere alone.

While Kerala released its report last month, Tamil Nadu earlier in August and Andhra Pradesh is yet to release a compiled report, the entire census report of the entire Nilgiri Biosphere will be released at a later stage, said additional Principal Chief Conservator of forests, wildlife, Kumar Pushkar.

The census exercise was done in the fringe areas of the forests of Bandipur, Nagarhole and BRT Tiger reserves along with MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Bannerghatta National Park, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Madikeri Wildlife Sanctuary, Madikeri Territorial Division, Virajpet Division and Kolar Division.

As per the report the largest elephant population was recorded in Bandipur- 1042 and the lowest was in Virajpet- 23. No elephant population was recorded in Kolar division.

  Elephant census report 

Name of forest division — elephant density — estimated elephant population 

Bandipur tiger reserve — 0.89 — 1042

Nagarhole tiger reserve — 0.88 — 788

BRT Tiger Reserve — 0.60 — 536

Mm Hills Wildlife Sanctuary — 0.60 — 700

Bannerghatta National park — 0.41 — 111

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary — 0.38 — 415

Madikeri Wildlife Division — 0.32 — 133

Madikeri Territorial Division — 0.16 — 169

Virajpet Division — 0.05 –23 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 13th, 2024

Modi introduced Cardamom varieties researched at ICAR–IISR in Kodagu

Uncategorized

The two varieties of the crop – IISR Manushree and IISR Kaveri, were among the 109 agriculture and horticulture crops released to the farming community by the Prime Minister.

IISR Kaveri Cardamon variety / Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced two new cardamom varieties developed at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research at Appangala in Kodagu. The two new varieties were released after the approval from the central sub-committee on crop standards.

Cardamom was among the important revenue-generating crops for the farmers across Sakleshpur, Kodagu and Chickmagaluru in the 1980s. However, extensive disease in the crops resulted in its downfall even as cardamom plantations were converted to coffee estates. Nevertheless, the crop can still earn good returns. The ICAR-IISR Kozhikode is involved in extensive crop research even as its regional station at Appangala has successfully introduced two new crop varieties to boost cardamom cultivation

The two varieties of the crop – IISR Manushree and IISR Kaveri, were among the 109 agriculture and horticulture crops released to the farming community by the Prime Minister. The two varieties were developed by DR SJ Ankegowda, Principal Scientist and Head of ICAR-IISR and his team at Appangala.

Dr Ankegowda said that the IISR Manushree variety is developed through clonal selection. This variety is stable yielding and tolerant to moisture stress. It produces an average yield of 550 kg dry capsules per hectare under irrigated conditions and 8.84% under moisture-stress conditions. The second variety, IISR Kaveri is a compact flowering cardamom variety that produces bold capsules, where 70% of the capsules are over 8 mm. IISR Kaveri is tolerant to moisture stress, producing an average yield of 482 kg dry capsules per hectare under irrigated conditions and 308 kg dry capsules per hectare under moisture stress conditions. This variety is said to be suitable for cultivation in Karnataka.

“Soil moisture is one of the limiting factors in augmenting the cardamom production and recently many youngsters from non-traditional areas are interested in cultivating cardamom where the crop experiences moisture stress during summer months. So these cardamom varieties with drought tolerance capacity can be tried. The present-day market consumer prefers green colour and bold capsule cardamom. So the variety IISR Kaveri with higher percentage of bold capsules fetches a premium price,” opined Dr Ankegowda.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / August 11th, 2024

‘Bhel Pani’ event in Karnataka’s Kodagu attempts to bring youngsters back to their roots

Uncategorized

However, to rekindle the interest in agricultural activities, ‘Bhel Pani’ has been organized in the vast farmland of Bittangala for five years now.

Sports activities hosted as part of the event / Photo | Express

Madikeri :

With an aim to revive agriculture among the Kodava community, ‘Bhel Pani’, a unique event was hosted at Bittangala in Kodagu. The event was jointly organized by Jabhoomi and Roots of Kodagu alongside support from various other associations and organizations and was inaugurated by Jabhoomi core members including Rajeev Bopaiah.

The culture of Kodava community is intertwined with agriculture. However, the farmlands are being abandoned or converted into commercial sites due to the invasion of urbanization. However, to rekindle the interest in agricultural activities, ‘Bhel Pani’ has been organized in the vast farmland of Bittangala for five years now.

“Earlier, our ancestors were involved in intensive agricultural activities as this was their means of life. However, modernization is affecting our culture and this is having an impact on the environment too,” explained A Kushalappa, convener of Roots of Kodagu and Jabhoomi organizations.

He explained that several farmers are shifting to ginger cultivation over paddy as the former earns better returns. However, the groundwater is depleting due to increased ginger farming. Paddy cultivation helps recharge ground water. The effects of abandoning paddy cultivation are already being witnessed in the form of water crisis during summers in Kodagu.

With an aim to introduce the paddy cultivation tradition to the youngsters of the community and reintroduce interest in farming among others, the programme was hosted with much pomp. Hundreds from across the district, participated in the event and cultivated the farmlands with paddy. Alongside paddy cultivation, farmland sports including slush running races and other activities were also hosted.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / August 11th, 2024

Kodagu’s monsoon tradition: Ancestral dishes, rituals amidst the rain

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Records, All

During the monsoon season, Kodagu’s unique culinary traditions involve dishes prepared with local ingredients like bamboo shoots and Justicia Wynaadensis leaves, reflecting a rich heritage aimed at maintaining health and body temperature.

The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times.Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Known to be an agricultural district, farming activities engulf Kodagu during the monsoon months. The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times. The indigenous cuisine acts as a natural nutrient supplement, helping the natives maintain body temperature during the chilly and moist weather. While agricultural activities have seen a gradual decline across the district in the recent past, the ancestral fare still make up a large part of the monsoon diet in Kodagu.

The district has a special vibe during the monsoon, and a stroll down any town road introduces one to unique items being sold on the streets. Natives from interior parts of the village turn street vendors and source natural resources available in plenty across the estates and forest fringes of the district, which they sell locally.

The wares vary from the traditionally made bamboo skep (to help clothes dry using charcoal heater) by the roadside in Madikeri, to natural products — a line of women wearing raincoats selling bamboo shoots, colocasia leaves, crabs, bracken fieldheads and leaves known as Justicia Wynaadensis or ‘maddu thoppu’ during the monsoon months from June to August. These locally sourced items make up for unique dishes that are prepared in all Kodava houses, and are now also being followed by all communities in the district.

“July 15 to August 15 is ‘Kakkada’ month in the Kodava calendar,” explained Ulliyada Dati Poovaiah, ex-president of Kodava Sahitya Academy. This month is synonymous with ‘Ashada’ month for Kannadigas, which is considered inauspicious. As the ancestors were busy with field work during this month, no auspicious events were hosted. Extreme weather conditions with heavy rainfall and gusty winds also stopped people from moving out of the safety of their houses, leading to ‘Kakkada’ month being considered inauspicious for any public or private gatherings.

“Kodagu used to receive the highest rainfall during ‘Kakkada’, yet people had to be involved in paddy cultivation for a living. Nevertheless, to ensure that one stayed healthy during the extreme weather conditions, special dishes found their way to the plate. All the dishes prepared during this month maintain body temperature, even as they keep other diseases, including pneumonia, at bay,” explained Dati.

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates.Photo | Express

Bamboo delight

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates. Bamboo shoot curry makes up a large part of the monsoon diet, even as indigenous mushrooms with high protein content take over banquet tables in Kodava houses. “The special dishes prepared during the monsoon ensured one’s good health. This ancestral ritual is now being followed every year with Kodava organizations hosting ‘Kakkada’ food fests to continue the ritual,” shared Kannanda Kavitha Bolappa, president of Madikeri Kodava Samaja Women’s Wing. She explained that all naturally available produce, including black nightshade leaves, Senna Alata aka ringworm leaves, raw mangoes and other veggies grown in the backyard along with country chicken, formed the ingredients of a rich diet during monsoon.

The highlight of the month’s special cuisine is the dishes prepared from Justicia Wynaadensis leaves that are popularly known as the ‘maddu thoppu’ (medicinal leaves). Kodavas, and today residents from other communities, believe that the Justicia Wynaadensis plants that grow in abundance across the district, attain their highest medicinal value on the 18th day of the Kakkada month. ‘Kakkada Padinet’ (padinet translating to 18th day) is celebrated and sweet dishes are prepared using the juice extracted from the Justicia Wynaadensis leaves. Besides this, mushroom, country chicken, bamboo shoots, freshwater fish, raw mango curry and other indigenous veggies are prepared for this special day.

“Earlier, farm work including cultivation and harvesting was done by owners of the land. Each family helped the others in cultivating the land. Entire stretches of farmland used to be cultivated by land owners, with help from other land owners, and after the farm work was done, a banquet would to be arranged. It largely included items that ensured balance of body temperature and good health during the chilly months,” explained Dati.

What started as a requirement has continued as a tradition, with residents from all other communities indulging in a rich diet with unique dishes prepared during monsoons in Kodagu.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR / August 11th, 2024

Waking up early: Kodagu identifies 104 landslide-prone areas

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

The sensitive and highly sensitive areas were identified and the families to be relocated were finalised.

Landslide at Sitharam Patti near Kalur village in Kodagu File photo | Pushkar V

Madikeri :

Exercising caution after massive landslides in Wayanad in Kerala, the Kodagu district administration has identified 104 landslide-prone areas, based on the reports submitted by the Geological Survey of India. Anticipating heavy rainfall this month, the administration has issued notices to 2,995 families located in these vulnerable regions to move to safer areas.

These regions have been identified based on previous disaster reports and surveys. The sensitive and highly sensitive areas were identified and the families to be relocated were finalised. The relocation could happen soon, sources said.

The administration has set up 14 relief centres, where over 200 residents are sheltered. It has also marked the locations to open 95 relief centres in these possible disaster areas.

“Steps will be taken to relocate residents from vulnerable regions depending on the rainfall forecast,” said DC Venkat Raja.

The district has received 24% excess rainfall this year and more rain is expected this month.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 05th, 2024