Traveling to Coorg? Get your hands on these 5 items.
Coorg garners a lot of love and attention for its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, steep hills, lush forests, and countless streams.A favorite travel destination of many around the world, the “Scotland of India” has so much to offer that you just can’t get enough of.So if you’re visiting “Kashmir of the South”, here are five souvenirs you must get home.
Coffee cup of India
Coffee
As mentioned above, Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations. In fact, it’s known as the “Coffee cup of India”.The coffee here is aromatic, full-bodied, and tastes mild, so you must grab some for home. Additionally, Coorg also produces the world’s costliest coffee called civet coffee (kopi luwak) and is a major exporter of coffee beans including Arabica and Robusta.
Flavorful
Homemade wines
Homemade wines in Coorg are popular, utterly delicious, and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.These hearty concoctions feature not only grapes but also have the goodness of ingredients including ginger, apricot, pineapple, litchi, gooseberry, passion fruits, etc.Some even include saffron and dry fruits.You can score wines in flavors including pomegranate, cheeku, coffee, etc on your way back home.
Choco goodness
Homemade chocolates
Chocolates are among the most sought-after souvenirs that tourists buy in Coorg.These chocolates are homemade and feature 100% organic ingredients sourced from the plantations at this gorgeous hill station.They are available in a variety and are known to be irresistibly tempting.Although you can find them at all local stores, Choci Coorg is a place you must bookmark for chocolaty shopping.
The ‘sweet’ side of Coorg
Honey
Coorg was once the leading exporter of honey and its quality is absolutely second to none.The honey produced is cent percent organic, so you can easily buy some bottles and take home.However, before you purchase, make sure they feature an AGMARK as it ensures its quality.This will also help you steer clear of honey that’s adulterated and sold at exorbitant prices.
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What is AGMARK?
AGMARK is a certification for all agricultural products which ensures that they are of the highest quality, conform to hygiene standards, and are fit to use. The mark is given to fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals, honey, oils, ghee, spices, wheat, butter, flour, oilseeds, etc.
As spicy as it gets
Spices
Coorg’s agricultural scene is quite impressive as it’s blessed with a bounty of nature.The hill station offers an eclectic array of spices that you can use for cooking and get reminded of your #CoorgDiaries one bite at a time.So when you visit this idyllic destination, do shop for cardamom, black pepper, basil, cumin, oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, mint, sage, etc.
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What else can you buy in Coorg?
Coorg is also famous for oranges, dry fruits, herbal oils, silk sarees, handmade soaps, flavored teas, wooden and coconut artifacts, traditional jewelry, etc.
Each of these items is easily available across the hill station and makes for the perfect souvenir that you can take home.
source: http://www.newsbytesapp.com / News Bytes / Home> News> Lifestyle News / by Anujj Trehaan / September 14th, 2022
YSRCP MP Goddeti Madhavi has been appointed as a member of the coffee board. The Central Commerce Department has released a gazette notification on Tuesday to this extent.
MP Pratap Sinha and Rajya Sabha member N. Chandrasekaran are also appointed as members of the board.
The notification was issued re-appointing the coffee board.
Kantilal Dande, Secretary to Tribal Welfare Department of AP Tribal Welfare Department, Vishwanatham from Domangi in Visakhapatnam District, Kurusa Umamaheswara Rao from Kothapaderu, Jayatu Prabhakar Rao belonging to commercial department from Kinnerla in Visakha District, Challa Sreesanth from Hyderabad, in the category of Instant Coffee Producers were appointed as members of the Department of Commerce.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Andhra Pradesh / by Pavan Kumar Bandari / Hans News Service / September 14th, 2022
Exclusive interview with writer Kaveri Ponnapa By Sujata Rajpal
Kaveri Ponnapa, the author of The Vanishing Kodavas (published in 2013), is the first writer to bring out a scholarly researched work on the history of Kodavas and their fast vanishing culture and traditions. She is also an independent writer on food, art and culture. Kaveri Ponnapa was in Mysuru recently to unveil the special display section at Ramsons Bombe Mane. Sujata Rajpal spoke to her in an exclusive interview for Star of Mysore.—Ed
Star of Mysore (SOM): What inspired you to write ‘The Vanishing Kodavas’?
Kaveri Ponnapa (KP): I shifted to Bangalore twenty-five years ago. Since then, I have been frequently visiting Coorg where I have strong roots. It gave me an opportunity to observe various aspects of its culture which were hitherto unknown to me. It was engaging as well as engrossing to meet new people, visit ancestral homes, attend village festivals and participate in the rituals. I also observed that this culture that I am so proud of, is fast disappearing. It is especially true for the younger generations, who are not aware about Kodavas’ rich cultural heritage. With a background in Social Anthropology — my Master’s Dissertation at SOAS was on aspects of Kodava culture — I saw the importance of documenting various aspects of our culture before they disappeared completely. This is happening to small cultures across the world.
SOM: You took 15 years to write this book. What made you keep going for so long?
KP: This book required an enormous amount of field work, travelling, learning, unlearning, participating in festivals, observing rituals and much more. I had to make multiple trips to the villages to familiarise myself with the ethos fully. The research material had to be collated and presented in a coherent way as the study had to make sense to the readers. The book has about 340 photographs of people, places and the socio-cultural activities. They are intended to provide visual documentation of our culture.
I had estimated it would take me four-five years to finish the book, but it took fifteen years as I needed to be satisfied with my work. I had to do justice to the custodians of our culture who were feeding me the inputs. My community’s faith in me kept me going for a decade and a half. When the book was ready and I presented it to the elders of the villages, they were unanimous in their opinion about the impact the work would have especially on the younger generation.
It feels wonderful when people walk up to me and say kind words in appreciation of this cultural study. Young people in particular, tell me how much they have learnt about our culture, how proud they are to own the book and how it has helped them connect back to the land: it’s the best compliment for a writer.
I am currently working on the second edition of this book, but I am unable to say how much more time it would take; it is work in progress. It’s heartening that people who own a copy now want a book for their children and grandchildren. The first one is a collector’s copy, the next will probably be a less lavish, more affordable paperback.
I would love to get the book translated into Kodava language so that more people have access to this work, but it would be quite a challenge to find a translator who is passionate and committed.
SOM: What challenges did you face in writing this voluminous book?
KP: When I started work on this book, I didn’t know a single person in the villages. I had to approach complete strangers to get inputs. I am so grateful that every door that I knocked at opened. In Coorg, every few kms, there is a variation in speech, traditions, customs and rituals; collating that information itself was a challenge. Many festivals in Coorg are celebrated on the same day and it was not possible to attend all together, so I had to leave some for the following year. In many cases, permission had to be taken for taking photographs as photography was not permitted for some sacred ceremonies. I had to be extremely patient. Things took time, but ultimately everything flowed smoothly.
SOM: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers who would want to write about their communities?
KP: I would urge aspiring writers to begin from the grassroots. It’s important to go to the basics to learn about one’s culture. One must be a keen observer in the field. Prepare to be surprised, to learn and to unlearn. The study must have citations and an accurate bibliography of books that you have actually read and referred to, to lend credibility to the work. Academic research is only as good as the latest research. One should be prepared to incorporate the latest findings as today’s research may not be relevant tomorrow. Also, reading feeds writing, so read as much as you can.
Writer Kaveri Ponnapa with Sujata Rajpal.
SOM: How did you get interested in writing on food, specially?
KP: Cooking is my passion. Some of the finest prose in English literature is writings on food. I began to write articles on food much before my debut book was published. My writing on food and wine is published in leading magazines and newspapers in the country.
SOM: What are your impressions about Mysuru?
KP: I come to Mysuru as often as possible. Every time I visit this beautiful city, I am enamoured by its people, their simplicity, its architecture, the food and its heritage. The walking tours, the magnificent Devaraja Market, First Rajkumari Palace in Manasagangothri, the beautiful collection of paintings at Ramsons, the small pockets of culture here and there which connect you to your past — everything is spectacular about Mysuru. Mysuru is known for its handlooms. L. Kadaiah’s Silk House on Sayyaji Road is my favourite saree shop as it has lovely collection of handloom sarees. I always carry something with me from Guru Sweets. I love the city and its people who are so very gracious, courteous and generous. If I have even half a chance I would live here.
SOM: How did you get interested in Dasara dolls?
KP: I have been a lover of handicrafts and handlooms all my life; I have seen dolls of different regions. Rajasthan has Gangaur, a festival of dolls. It is by chance that I am here to inaugurate Bombe Mane. Two months ago, when I visited Mysuru, I happened to go to Ramsons painting gallery and met its owner R.G. Singh there. He asked me to visit again in September for Bombe Mane. I was not sure if it would be possible for me to come to Mysuru so soon, but things fell in place and I am here. Ramsons art gallery is doing a phenomenal job of reviving art through exhibitions and sale of handicrafts. Bombe Mane is a great platform to tell age old stories.
SOM: Have you watched Mysore Dasara festival?
KP: It was thirty years ago when I made a trip to Mysore to watch the famous Dasara festival. My aunt took me to a friend’s house whose balcony opened into the road from where the procession had to pass. From that balcony, I watched the entire procession. What a magnificent sight it was! The beautiful memories were made for life. That was the only time I watched the Mysore Dasara as now it is too crowded. The ideal would be to have vantage points to watch the procession. Despite the crowds, the involvement of public in festival celebrations is heart-warming.
SOM: How did you get interested in cooking?
KP: Cooking is my passion. I have been interested in cooking for a very long time. The seeds of this passion were sown by my grandmother who was a fabulous cook. Be it pickle, jam, traditional Coorg food, she was an expert in everything. At that time, I was not so much interested in cooking, but I was intrigued by its ingredients; I would ask grandma so many questions about cooking that she would have to chase me out so that she could cook in peace.
In recent years, I have trained chefs from ITC, Taj and have had successful food festivals. Cooking is fundamental to life, it is meditative and relaxing as one needs to observe keenly, be very attentive, and use all the senses. And, of course, there is no price to the joy of feeding people and seeing a satisfied smile after a meal. Kodava (Coorg) cuisine is my favourite cuisine. I can have that every day. The dishes are rooted in the land, exotic and seasonal.
SOM: Are Kodavas really vanishing and is there a way to prevent it?
KP: It doesn’t refer to the numbers as such, but the culture is eroding primarily because of tourism, migration, change in policies relating to land holdings etc. It depends completely on the younger generations if they can sustain the culture and follow traditions.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / by Sujata Rajpal / September 12th, 2022
The Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Kodagu Sahakara Sangha for the year 2021-22 will be held at the Sangha premises in Jayalakshmipuram on Sept.25 at 10.30 am. Sangha President A.C. Nanjamma will preside.
On the occasion, the children of Sangha members who have excelled in the 2021-22 examinations by scoring high marks will be felicitated.
Puliyanda A. Devaiah Memorial Prize will be presented to a top-scorer in SSLC and II PUC; late Ittira Kariappa and late Parvathi Kariappa scholarship to SSLC (CBSE) topper; late Mallangada Lali Ganapathy Memorial Prize to BBM and BCA topper; late Munjandira Chimmi Uthaiah Memorial Prize to a 7th std. topper; late Dasanda C. Thammaiah Memorial Prize to BA topper; late Vallanda P. Muthanna Memorial Prize to MA, M.Com or M.Sc topper.
Sangha’s scholarship to meritorious students in BE, M.A English Literature, II PUC Kannada and English.
Eligible students may send a copy of their marks card along with application to the Sangha Secretary before Sept. 20, according to a press release from Sangha Executive Director Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / September 11th, 2022
Coffee Board of India has decided to launch four premium coffees under the ‘India Coffee’ brand as well as two affordable coffees under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand on Amazon. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
As international price volatility challenges prevail, the Coffee Board is strengthening the domestic appeal for pure coffee across the country
Coffee Board of India, a body that represents coffee growers and coffee industry in the country, has decided to expand its reach by launching four premium coffees under the ‘India Coffee’ brand as well as two affordable coffees under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand on Amazon, said K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board on Monday.
“Now, we are expanding our reach by launching four premium coffees such as Coorg Arabica Coffee (GI), Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee (GI), 100% Arabica coffee and a blend of Arabica and Robusta under ‘India Coffee’ brand,’‘ he said.
The launch would also include affordable coffees such as 100% Arabica and a blend of Arabica and Robusta under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand, he said.
“Coffee Board’s collaboration with Amazon is expected to boost domestic coffee consumption. Our coffees are sourced from the best coffee estates to suit the taste of millions of coffee connoisseurs across the country,” Dr. Jagadeesha added.
As international price volatility challenges prevail, the Coffee Board was in the process of strengthening the domestic appeal for pure coffee across the country, Coffee Board CEO further stated.
Sourced from Karnataka
Coffee consumption in the country is on the rise. Through this association, a premium range of coffees will be available on Amazon.in, that are sourced from the coffee-producing regions of the country in Karnataka, as per Amazon.
“This is in line with our endeavour to offer flavours of Indian coffee at value offers to our customers,’‘ said Nishant Raman, Director – IN Consumables, Amazon India, in a statement.
The country’s coffee exports stood at a rise of 90% in April-June 2022 over the same period in FY 2013-14. As the seventh largest coffee producer in the world, India exports 70% of its coffee overseas. Acclaimed as a region known for the origin of high-quality coffee, India has created a niche for itself with seven GI-registered coffees that are offered globally, according to Coffee Board.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – September 12th, 2022
The first book of poetry by acclaimed curator, writer and speaker Dr Nima Poovaya-Smith celebrates her profound curiosity about wild cats.
Dr Nima Poovaya-Smith OBE is a prominent figure in the cultural, academic and public sectors, well known for her work on transcultural and post-colonial South Asian museum collections in Bradford and multidisciplinary arts projects across the region and beyond. Less well known is her affinity with cats of all persuasions, wild or domestic.
The Wild Cats Compendium, Poovaya-Smith’s first solo collection of illustrated poetry, will be launched at Ilkley Literature Festival on 13 October 2022.
The Compendium is first and foremost a love letter to all felines large and small. Legends and fables of the cat world, as well as their often bleak, everyday lives is explored by Poovaya-Smith, in this collection of 45 poems. There is the reed or jungle cat who may have once dined with the Crown Prince of an Egyptian Pharoah and ended up interred with him; an ocelot gifted to Salvador Dali who tried unsuccessfully to run away and the smallest feline in Southern Africa – the black-footed cat – which eats almost a fifth of its body weight night after night.
Environmentalist Benjamin Lascelles, who has written the End piece comments that Compendium “captures the essence of the many species brilliantly and highlights the many threats they face. The geographic, conservation and threat references are meticulously researched and powerfully conveyed.”
Nima Poovaya-Smith says: “I have always taken a deep interest in cats. Wild or domestic, they are some of nature’s most charismatic creatures. I am enthralled by the facts and fables that surround them. I am certainly not the first, nor will I be the last, to find these animals so captivating. Across the world, we have had a special relationship with the feline species for thousands of years. They have been celebrated in literature and art as well as music and dance. I found particular delight in gleaning more information about lesser-known small cats. Each one is characterful enough to hold its own with the bigger, more iconic cats. The more I learned, the more enigmatic and fascinating they became. I hope that the emotions I experienced exploring the feline world – joy and a deep sense of loss – will resonate with all readers.”
Writer, historian, journalist and author of Victoria and Abdul, Shrabani Basu in her Foreword to The Wild Cats Compendium states: “Nima Poovaya-Smith takes us into the myth and magic of the cat world. Through her beautiful poems, we get a glimpse into their lives as pampered pets or solitary creatures. She questions, probes, and enlightens us, not just about the tiger or the lion, but also about some of the lesser-known species of the cat family. A cat, they say, has nine lives. Poovaya-Smith’s forty-five poems give them many more.”
The different species of cat in Compendium are each accompanied by images – twenty-eight of which are new works by seven different artists. There are also some earlier works by contemporary artists and six historic Illustrations from the 19th century.
source: http://www.ilkleygazette.com / ILKLEY GAZETTE / Home> Local News> UK News / by Claire Lomax / September 09th, 2022
The fragrance of coffee itself dissolves every stress in your mind. Drinking coffee is like giving your soul that much needed hug. Coffee is more than just a beverage to all the coffee lovers for sure. It’s their escape sometimes and sometimes just a companion. Just like libraries are heaven for book lovers, Coffee estates are the same for coffee lovers. If you too are someone who loves coffee and want to grab a brew at a coffee estate, here are the five best ones in India.
1. Kerehaklu Eco Retreat, Chikmagalur
Kerehaklu Eco Retreat is nestled in the lush greenery of Chikmagalur’s coffee plantation. The old water body that lies within the confines of the coffee farms bears the name Kerehaklu. This resort with rustic setting also promises the most spectacular panoramic views of the Kudremukh Mountain Range. With coffee plantations spread across 275 acres, the air here is filled with the divine aroma of coffee.
2. Palace Estate, Coorg
The Palace Estate is nestled in the lap of the highest mountain peak in Coorg, “Thadiyandamol ” peak of the Western Ghats. The Palace Estate is a 50-acre traditional farm that grows fruits like oranges, bananas, avocados, and cardamom as well as coffee, cardamom, and pepper. The homestay offers luxurious wooden rooms with all needed facilities and a small library. You can take a tour of several different coffee plantations from the homestay.
3. Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Coorg
If you are someone who loves nature and coffee both alike, then Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation is just for you. The delicious meals are made using biogas from their gobar-gas plant, and the cottages here were created using environmentally responsible construction techniques. Do not miss having a warm cup of coffee here while overlooking the plantations.
4. Tranquil Resort, Wayanad
The Tranquil Resort is tucked away peacefully among a 126-year-old coffee and spice estate. This stay offers pure serenity amidst the divine aroma of coffee. You can choose from the type of stays as per your preference from cottage to treehouses. You can go on a tour of this 400 acre spread plantation and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee. You can choose from 10 of their bio-diverse walking trails.
5. Grassroots, Kerala
The land of spices and coffee offers you a glamping experience like no other. What is more beautiful than sipping on some hot coffee as you overlook lush green coffee plantations. Grassroots resort in Kerala offer you to stay amidst the coffee plantation in spacious luxury tents and feel pure serenity. The sound of the river flowing, the bird chirping, lush greenery and the fragnance of coffee is surely going to give you the best experience to all your senses.
A capacity building programme for Kodagu coffee growers was organised by the Federation of Indian Export organisation in Madikeri.
A capacity building programme for Kodagu coffee growers was organised by the Federation of Indian Export organisation in Madikeri.
The initiative was hosted under the flagship of the ministry of commerce with support from the state agriculture department.
Experienced coffee growers of the district attended the event.
The need for the promotion of international coffee trade was highlighted during the programme. The facilitators sensitised the entrepreneurs, farmers and exporters on the potential of exporting coffee and spices from the district.
The various trade opportunities in the international market, the role of various agencies, the role of free trade agreements and various other schemes under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade were explained to the growers in detail.
A total of 75 participants comprising farmers, farmer produce organisations and entrepreneurs took part in the session.
Lokesh HD, ITS, Jt. DGFT Bengaluru was the chief guest of the event. Babu Reddy DR, DD of Coffee Board spoke on coffee exports and GI Coffee. The role of banking, industrial policy, Indian trade portal and schemes under spices board were highlighted during the session.
Shabhana M Sheikh, JD of district agriculture department was also present .
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by TNN / September 08th, 2022
The fest will likely be organized using nearly Rs 1.50 crore funds and the family has sent a proposal to the state requesting sanctioning of Rs One crore funds.
For representational purposes (Photo | PTI)
The iconic Kodava Hockey Namme will take place next year following a break of four years. The same was confirmed in a press conference by the Appachettolanda Family on Tuesday.
“After 2018, the hockey fest did not see the light of the day due to natural disasters and pandemic situations. However, the 23rd annual fest will be hosted in 2023 in a grandeur manner. The fest will be held at Napoklu General Thimayya Ground. Over 350 Kodava families are likely to take part in the tournament,” confirmed Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa, the president of the hockey fest.
The hockey tournament will begin on February 20 and will go on till March 6. The website and the logo will be released on 2nd October at Napoklu Kodava Samaj. The fest will likely be organized using nearly Rs 1.50 crore funds and the family has sent a proposal to the state requesting sanctioning of Rs One crore funds. The press conference was headed by the Appachettolanda family patted Mittu Erappa and other family members.
‘Kodava Hockey Namme’ has been organized in the district for 22 years. However, the event was cancelled in 2018 due to floods and a pandemic situation. The 2023 event will be the 23rd year of the hockey fest. The hockey tournament played among the Kodava community has gained international fame as the tournament has broken the ‘Limca Book of Records’ and ‘Guinness World Record’ for the highest number of team participation.
The 2018 Kulletria Cup Hockey saw participation from 333 Kodava families. It was in 1997 that the first Kodava family hockey tournament was played and was organized by the Pandanda family. The game started off with international rules and standards and it continues to provide a stage for youngsters and seniors alike to unravel their passion for hockey.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / September 06th, 2022
‘We started shooting on my birthday and I met Amitabh Bachchan sir for the first time then’
Rashmika Mandanna is a complete entertainment package and her fans couldn’t be any more excited about her upcoming lineups making it to the theatres. Today, the trailer of her most awaited film Goodbye starring Amitabh Bachchan was released! While the trailer looks very promising and the bond between Rashmika Mandana and Amitabh Bachchan was surreal, a clip of her talking about BIG B in a media interaction has been making rounds on the internet.
The actress can be seen talking about how she first met the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and how they slowly developed an endearing relationship during the shooting of GoodBye. Rashmika said, “We started shooting on my birthday and I met him for the first time then. I remember this day very clearly as I was waiting for him since I wanted to say hey. While I was standing in the corner, he crossed me and he went away”.
As Rashmika flashed a big smile and went on to introduce her, the actor seemed to have been lost in his thoughts. About which, the actress says “I wanted to introduce myself but of course, sir was busy thinking about the scene and what to do and not to do”. The actress later went in, and quickly introduced herself, as she took some nervous breath “Hey sir, I am Rashmika and I will be playing your daughter”, then found her exit.
Now while Rashmika and Mr. Bachchan shared a bond that was growing slowly with Amitabh Bachchan. One fine day Rashmika finds herself to be out of words when BIG B tweeted about her. About which the actress says “One day I entered the sets and everybody was like “Did you check your tweeter?’ and when I did, I saw that Bachchan sir had posted a picture saying “Pushpa”.
While Rashmika seems to be unstoppable with the kind of project she has been doing lately, she had also quoted that “I am living my dream of working with two icons of Indian cinema”
Meanwhile, the actress will also be seen in Pushpa 2 along with Allu Arjun and Animal with Ranbir Kapoor.
source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> Entertainment / by The Telegraph Bureau, Mumbai / September 06th, 2022
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