The third annual get-together of Field Marshal Kodava Kshemabhivrudhi Sangha, Yelwal, was held at Grand Chippas Hotel, Hebbal Ring Road recently.Sangha President Deyanda Jaya Chengappa presided.
Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa and Rekha Muthappa were the chief guests.
Mandaneravanda Subramani, Sangha Secretary; Kadira Nandakumar, Treasurer; Nambiyapanda Seema Mahesh, Assistant Secretary; Allapanda Chami Kuttappa, Nayakanda Aiyappa, Nayakanda Harish Achaiah, Mekerira Bharath, Marada Shashi Aiyanna, Koothanda Dinesh Poonacha, Mukkatira Sathish Cariappa, and Mundumada Latha Bose (all Managing Committee Members) were present along with other members of the Sangha.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 26th, 2023
A new war memorial will be unveiled soon in South Kodagu, in the memory of all the martyrs, and to offer a tribute to the soldiers.
Soldiers are responsible for the protection of the country. They work selflessly for the betterment of the country and ensure that peace and harmony is maintained. Hence, to remember the struggle of martyrs and their sacrifices, a new war memorial has been set up at the main junction of T Shettigeri village, in South Kodagu and will be unveiled on August 28.
he major highlight of this memorial is that it has been set up by the funds donated by the No 33 Ex-Servicemen Association of T Shettigeri. This association consists of 450 retired soldiers. Installing a new war memorial was a dream of the association. This association has also contributed a lot to the society including extension of financial assistance to the needy and also providing aid during the time of natural disasters.
This war memorial is made up of marbles that cost around Rs 5 lac and the cost of construction is largely donated by the wife of K Bopaiah, a former havaldar, said president of Association, K A Vishwanath.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SJM) / August 25th, 2023
Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha and actor Bhuvan Ponnanna , both natives of Kodagu district embarked on their journey of wedded bliss.
Madikeri:
Sandalwood actress Harshika Poonacha and actor Bhuvan Ponnanna, both natives of Kodagu district embarked on their journey of wedded bliss. The glitzy Sandalwood duo celebrated their nuptials on Thursday , in accordance with the cherished Kodava customs. Amid the esteemed presence of elders, family members, and well-wishers, the couple partook in traditional marriage rituals, cementing their love in the heart of district.
The resplendent wedding took place in the serene setting of Ammathi Kodava Samaja in Virajpet taluk amid lush greenary of district. Donning the exquisite Kodava traditional attire, the celebrities radiated in their cultural finery. The event was graced by political luminaries, including former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, former Minister Murugesh Nirani, Sudhakar, and Virajpet MLA Ponnanna. The solemn wedding rites were elevated by the emblematic act of severing a banana pole, symbolizing valor and courage, as per Kodava tradition.
The star-studded affair garnered a dazzle of celebrities, with actress Anu Prabhakar and her husband Raghumukherjee elegantly clad in Kodava traditional attire. Actress Anu Prabhakar had been actively involved in the pre-wedding festivities, adding her grace to the auspicious occasion. The presence of renowned figures like actor Ganesh and veteran actor Doddanna further enriched the ceremony’s splendor.
The couple’s union was celebrated over two days of grandeur. The pre-wedding celebrations included the ‘Oorkoduva ceremony and Mehndi, setting the stage for the wedding’s magnificence. The Kodava wedding tradition, distinct in its own right, diverges from other cultures by designating the mother to applaud the bride. This special Kodava gesture, known as ‘Pattak’, (mangal Sutra ) tied on neck of Harshika by her mother.
Resplendent in traditional Kodava attire, Bhuvan and Harshika captured hearts as they partook in a series of Kodava customs. The ceremonial highlight included the symbolic cutting of a banana tree, signifying bravery. Traditional Kodava cuisine added flavor to the festivities, treating guests to an authentic culinary experience. The Kodava tradition of ‘Walaga’ was also a prominent feature of the event, showcasing the community’s rich heritage.
The union of Harshika Poonacha and Bhuvan Ponnanna stands as a testament to love, tradition, and the vibrant culture of Kodagu. The wedding extravaganza marked not just a joyous occasion for the couple but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage they represent.
source: http://www.thehansindia.com / Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka> Bengaluru / by Coovercolly Indresh / by Hans News Service / August 24th, 2023
The makers of ‘KD-The Devil’ on Friday introduced the leading lady of the film—actress Reeshma Nanaiah, who will be seen opposite Dhruva Sarja as Queen Macchlakshmi.
As Reeshma enters KD’s vintage adda, she looks every bit feisty. In fact, her stance is the one that suits a true queen, especially when she is a queen who converts her King’s pain into power. Fans have been very excited to meet Reeshma aka Queen Macchlakshmi and they cannot wait to see more of her on the big screen.
Talking about her character, Reeshma said, “The best part about Queen Macchlakshmi is the larger-than-life persona she ensues. From the poster you know, she is strong-headed, she is feisty, and playing her role was indeed great. It was challenging but thrilling. What was exciting was to also share the frame with action Prince Dhruva Sarja. I am very excited.”
A period action entertainer based on true events from 1970s Bangalore, ‘KD-The Devil’ also stars Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Sanjay Dutt, and V Ravichandran. KVN Productions presents KD-The Devil directed by Prem and also produced by Suprith.
The Pan-India multilingual is all set to release in Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.
source: http://www.goachronicle.com / Goa Chronicle / Home> Entertainment> India / by GC News Desk / via UNI-India / April 28th, 2023
The students of Coorg Public School (COPS), Gonikoppal, Kodagu, have emerged winners in various competitions held during the first week of August.
Vedika Bojamma, a Grade 1 student of COPS, participated in the All-Karnataka Poetry Recitation Competition conducted by KISA (Karnataka Icse Schools Association) and stood 1st in the State.
The following students of COPS have won prizes in various competitions organised by Lions High School, Gonikoppal, on account of Independence Day celebrations:
Patriotic Song: Gyana U. Kalkur (X std.) – 1st place; Anika Nandish (I PUC) – 1st; L. Tanushree (II PUC) – 3rd; C.P. Ayaan Devaiah (II std.) – 3rd.
English Elocution: B.I. Samarth Ponnappa (IV std.) – 2nd; M. Niyati Kalaiah (IX std.) – 2nd; K. Gayatri Kaveriappa (II PUC) – 2nd; Mathanda Lia Chengappa (III std.) – 3rd; Amrutha Poovamma (I PUC) – 3rd; Trisha Somaiah (VIII std.) – Consolation Prize.
Students who bagged prizes in the Taluk-Level Inter School Elocution and Debate Competition held in memory of late Kakamada N. Nanaiah at Appachakavi Vidyalaya on Aug. 8 are as follows:
Kannada Elocution: B.M. Aaradhya Shetty (V std.) – 2nd.
Kodagu district is one of the smallest districts in Karnataka. It was a Part ‘C’ State from 1952 to 1956. It was amalgamated with the then Mysuru State (now Karnataka) in 1956.
Members of the Kodava community, in the hill district of Kodagu, are demanding exclusive, intangible constituencies in Parliament and the Karnataka Assembly on the lines of the Sangha virtual constituency for the Buddhist monastic community in Sikkim.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / July 15th, 2023
Kechamada Uthapa and his daughter Pooja taking me on a tour of his paddy land.Mrs Uthappa in their home in Kutta, Coorg.
Two weeks before the devastating rainfall that destroyed large parts of Coorg, I had the privilege of spending a few days with Mr Kechamada Uthappa, and his family. Mr Uthappa, who lives in the Kutta region of Coorg, is one of the few planters who still grows paddy. A little known fact is that paddy is the traditional crop of Coorg and not coffee, that it is now famous for.
After an interesting conversation with his daughter Pooja, an environmental engineer, I learned that paddy cultivation actually helps with rejuvenating the river. So I made way up to Coorg to see this for myself. While I did learn about how this happens, it was the warmth from Mr Uthappa, with his wry sense of Kodava humour, incredible energy at 67, infinite patience in answering my questions, his wife who gently guides the whole household and his daughter, who is a true a daughter of the soil, gave me an incredibly real and fulfilling experience in this ‘digital world’, it honestly made me happy.
After meeting them, I have come to believe that, If geography is destiny, then the people of Coorg are the guardians of River Cauvery.
Paddy plantation Women who work in the fields and estate, totally impressive.Women who work in the fields and estate, totally impressive.
In the old days the land was seen as a boon from the Goddess Cauvery and the land belonged to her. They celebrated the river and did everything in their power to care for her. To them it was ‘Cauverammas Bhoomi’.
‘Naati Pani’or paddy cultivation is what deeply connected the people of Coorg to their land and River Cauvery. It was also the most exciting time of the year, with every one coming together, it was almost like a celebration of the river itself. Owners used to plough the land themselves and shared a close relationship with the workers. Everyone would sing songs of the Cauvery to make their work light. They valued the river because she provided for them. They worked hard for their food and rice was a staple in their diets – think akki ottis and kadambuttus. Rice is not something they ordered online, unlike our generation who have a very transactional relationship with food.
Workers planting PaddyStream going back into the Lakshman Tirtha
‘Naati pani’ requires a lot of work and patience. Infact, Mr Uthappa says that it requires ‘Aar-Ambu’ or 6 arrows – fertile land, cattle, workers, rain, seeds and implements. The relationship with ‘Naati’ is also very intrinsic with water – The rain feeds the fields and the fields feed the river and recharge the ground water. Most planters today have even built large tanks to harvest rain water.
The land is divided into multiple fields and work begins in the cold wet monsoons and ends six months later. Mr Uthappa remembers how his grand mother would wake them up at 4 am to begin paddy work in the fields – she would ensure there was enough food and drink for everyone including the labourers.
pix04
The paddy land is usually dived into Baleya theva – the biggest field, the Yaka – the sowing field which was slightly elevated so that it could retain water and was always situated closest to the stream, Chali or the central field allowed for the flow of water and Podup which is clay soil that has spring like properties and the Pada butta bel or fallow land.
Each of these fields is fed by rain water and controlled by shallow streams which is then fed back into the river. Mr Uthappas fields feed back into the Lakshman tirtha, a tributary of the Cauvery. Most of the knowledge and traditions and even geographical understanding on what should be grown is passed down orally and Mr Uthappa is hopeful that today, even though most of them don’t encourage their children to work in the fields there will be a time when everyone will come back to their roots.
The end of ‘Naati pani’ is celebrated with Kail-Podh. In keeping with their martial traditions all the implements would be polished, decorated with the ‘Thok-poo’ (which is now available only in the ‘Devara Kadus’ or Sacred forest groves maintained by each village). It was also a time where they could enjoy a break from their hard labour of ‘Naati pani’ and food, song and folk dancing would be indulged in.
Unfortunately, today most of the paddy fields are being left fallow or being converted into ‘holiday home sites’, reducing the ground water levels, changing the culture and even the food habits. The koile meen (fish commonly found in paddy fields), local rice varieties like Doddi and Boliya are fast disappearing. Reality is that rice is now being bought by the Karnataka government from Andhra Pradesh (where incidentally I am from).
It hit home when Mr Uthappa, told me of a kodava saying, “if you want to ruin a man you don’t need black magic, all you have to do is ask him to replace paddy for coffee or other crops and the land will run dry.” It makes you think if you would still be able to relish your cup of ‘bella coffee’ if there was no paddy planted in Coorg?
So as you celebrate Kail-Podh this year with Pandhi curry and Kadambuttus, or have ever visited Coorg and enjoyed her hospitality, remember that you are the guardian of River Cauvery and send out a special thought to all that she has provided.
Follow our series about the #CultureOfWater @SaveRiverCauvery on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
source: http://www.medium.com / Medium.com / Home / by Rohita R Madappa / September 02nd, 2018
Sri Kavery Kodava Association, Mysore East and Kodagu Model School had organised a function at the school premises in Vidyashanakar Nagar, here this morning to inaugurate the newly-constructed second floor named as ‘Pandanda Cheethamma Block’.
Star of Mysore Founder-Editor K.B. Ganapathy, who is also the Special Advisor of the Association, delivered the inaugural speech after the school block donated by Pandanda Kariappa Family, Kolkata, was inaugurated.
The event began with Ganapathy homa and Saraswathi puja.
Students presented invocation dance. Association President P.S. Devaiah welcomed.
Association Secretary K.M. Belliappa introduced the guests, who were also felicitated.
Chairperson of Building Committee P.U. Jayakumar addressed the gathering.
Smt. and Dr. Kayapanda M. Mandanna, Kolkata and Smt. and Sri Pandanda K. Madappa, Kolkata, shared their thoughts.
Mary Anitha, Head Mistress of Kodagu Model School, briefed the gathering about academics.
Seethamma, Chairperson of the Academic Committee, proposed a vote of thanks.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 19th, 2023
The Ibnii Coorg is a delicious little secret set amidst lush green hills.
For a region often described by locals as ‘60×40’ (measuring 60 miles by 40 miles), understandably there are few secrets in Kodagu, or Coorg. Yet, tucked around a bend just off the Suntikoppa-Madikeri road, the gates of The Ibnii open into a hidden world of its own. Literally meaning ‘dew’, The Ibnii was ten years in the making before it formally opened in February. A tree-lined cobbled driveway ends at The Kaadu, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley that cradles the resort.
A tree-lined cobbled driveway ends at The Kaadu, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley that cradles the resort. Ushered down a small wooden bridge to a lookout, we savour the view over some bella ( jaggery) coffee, traditionally served to guests in Coorg. In the distance, the four-tiered cascade swimming pool breaks the expanse of dense green in a striking splash of turquoise blue.
We linger over another cuppa and only the promise of greater comfort makes us move. A golf cart takes us to our private pool villa. In a region globally recognised as an ecological hotspot, everything about the resort is eco-sensitive. The architecture and landscape were designed without damaging local flora—all the villas and structures are built around existing vegetation and no trees were cut except dead and decaying ones. Three lakes were created on the 120-acre property for rainwater harvesting. Other green practices include a stringent ‘no plastic’ policy, vermicomposting and waste-recycling. The resort prides itself in having no room service or phone network (though wi-fi is available), encouraging guests to explore the outdoors.
Wooden cottage
On a ‘Bean to Cup’ coffee tour, we get first-hand experience of the process of coffee-making and grading of beans. The venue is Kaldi Kappee, a tranquil lakeside coffee-house named after the Ethiopian shepherd who discovered the rejuvenating properties of coffee when his goats pranced about after feeding on some wild berries. On display are coffee-grinding machines, filters and presses, as well as single-origin coffee from an all-woman village cooperative in Chikmagalur. It’s called Halli Berri!
Breakfast with local flavours
The boulangerie, tucked behind the coffee counter reveals a hi-tech interactive kitchen where baking classes are conducted. Our impromptu session sharpens our blunt baking skills and soon we are sipping cappuccinos outside, nibbling on warm crispy puffs that we kneaded and rolled only minutes earlier. Walking to the Greenhouse, an in-house garden where veggies and herbs are grown, we learn that the Ibnii’s kitchen only uses fresh hand-pounded masalas. With a lakeside yoga pavilion on the anvil, The Ibnii takes its eco-luxe tag seriously. No wonder it has already won accolades—the best eco-luxury resort in the country and the first resort in India to acquire IGBC’s (Indian Green Building Council) Green Homes Platinum Award 2017.
The next morning, following a medley of bird calls, we set off on a nature walk & birdwatching tour with our able guide, who helps us spot 45 species of birds besides sharing fascinating stories on flora like Gloriosa superba, locally called thok poo meaning ‘gun-flower’ and tracking the hoof prints of wild deer that had wandered into the property at night. Our trail ends with duck feeding, though the round of fishing at the pond (catch and release) is thwarted by rain.
Manja Spa
The evening uncoils itself with a relaxing spa session at Manja Spa. The treatments are designed using locally-sourced ingredients (including a coffee scrub) while the techniques adopt Balinese, Swedish and traditional Ayurvedic styles.
There’s lots to do in Coorg—remarkable waterfalls, an elephant training camp, quaint monasteries, and much more that is in close proximity. But even if you like your holidays leisurely curled up inside a blanket with a cup of coffee, birdsongs and a book for company in a picturesque location, this eco-resort is the place to indulge.
The Information
Getting There: The Kempegowda International Airport is the closest one to Coorg (280km, 5.5hr). Mysuru Junction is the nearest railway station at 95km. KSRTC buses ply from Bengaluru and Mysuru to Coorg. If you’re driving, take State Highway 17 (Bengaluru-Mysuru highway) and turn before Srirangapatna onto State Highway 88 towards Madikeri.
Where To Stay: The Ibnii, Coorg is at Ibnivalvadi village, 4.5km away from Madikeri town. It has 22 pool villas, called Kopi Luwak after the Asian civet coffee. Each of these comes with an indoor jacuzzi and an outdoor pool. Ten wooden cottages perched on stilts, named Arnetta, overlook a lake—they are open only to couples. Children are not allowed here due to safety concerns. (Tariff starts from ₹16,150 per night in a Kopi Luwak for a minimum stay of three nights; +91-8884990000, ibnii.com).
Where to Eat Ibnii’s themed dining spaces take a cue from local Kodava culture. Set in a single complex called Pattole Palome (collection of silk strands, and also the title of a cultural tome on Coorg) are Baalelle (a veg restaurant with meals served on banana leaves), Masi Kande (a covered outdoor barbecue & grill, means charcoal), The Fig (multi-cuisine restaurant serving Kodava, south Indian & continental fare) and Bendhoota (a banquet hall named after a traditional post-wedding family feast).
What to See & Do Besides local bird watching trails, responsible fishing and a bean to-cup coffee tour, the Tibetan monasteries at Bylakuppe near Kushalnagar, the elephant training camp at Dubare and sites like Raja’s Seat, Mercara Fort, Gaddige and Abbey Falls are close at hand.
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook Traveller / Home> Stay> Story / by Anurag Mallick / August 17th, 2017
Bhuvann’s debut directorial will be produced by his soon-to-be wife, actress Harshika Poonacha.
Bhuvann will play a boxer in his directorial debut
Kannada actor Bhuvann Ponnanna, who was last seen in 2019’s Randhawa, is set to turn director.
Just back from his bachelor party trip to Russia, where he managed to lose his passport, Bhuvann addressed the media to announce his directorial debut and his upcoming wedding plans.
The actor is getting married to his girlfriend of 12 years, Kannada actress Harshika Poonacha in a traditional Kodava ceremony spread across two days on August 23 and 24 in Madikeri.
Both days will only entail kodava rituals, said Bhuvann and Harshika, adding that it gives them great joy to present a part of their culture to their guests.
The wedding news, though, was not the only good tiding that the couple had to share. Bhuvann and Harshika also took the opportunity to announce their first home production, through the banner Bhuvanam Entertainment, which Bhuvann will direct and act in. The actor has written a script about a boxer from an underprivileged background that then follows his journey and struggle to attain the goals he has been aiming for. Called Bhuvanam Sreshtam Gacchami, the film is likely to go on floors by the end of the year, they said, adding that Harshika will not be in the film and will only serve as producer. Boxing, said Bhuvann, is the hook of the film, but its crux is the pursuit of following one’s dream.
The basic line of the story struck Bhuvann during one of his holiday trips to Cambodia, when he saw a news item on TV six years ago. Over the years, the actor and his team has been working on the script, to give it a modern-day feel. The film will have two heroines, casting of which is yet to be done. At the moment, Bhuvann has not given thought to the prospect of making the film in multiple languages, so the focus will be on a Kannada version, but he does not rule out the possibility of dubbing it later, as the subject has universal appeal.
source: http://www.ottplay.com / OTT Play / Home> News / by Team OTTplay / August 18th, 2023
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
)
