Message Of Kannada On Yuva Sambhrama Stage

Actress Harshika Poonacha and Director Nagendra Prasad

‘Kannada not just a language but a feeling and a way of life’

Mysore/Mysuru:

The usually busy Manasagangothri Road in the University of Mysore campus gets busier after 4 pm these days as hundreds of youths pour into the Open Air Theatre where Yuva Sambhrama is being held as a prelude for Yuva Dasara.

While youths on stage forget themselves while performing foot-tapping music, the crowd in front of the stage too are mesmerised by the performances. Over the last couple of days, the place is becoming a popular joint for youngsters to hang around after a gap of two years and they are leaving no opportunity in making its maximum use.

Last evening, there were many stellar performances from various educational institutions where the message of Kannada being a feeling or a way of life and not just a language was spread by the performers, holding the Kannada flag. The performance by the students of DPBS Government PU College, Periyapatna, extolling the Kannada language, attracted many and even the audience sang and danced.

Likewise, students of the JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, dressed as peacocks, performed to Kannada tunes while the students of Maharaja’s PU College highlighted the contribution of Vijayanagar rulers, Madakari Nayaka and Onake Obavva who sacrificed so that the Kannada language and culture can thrive.

Students of Bettadapura Government Junior College, Maddur Government Women’s College also performed on Kannada themes and also highlighted how the farmers of Karnataka form a backbone of the State and country. Through their impressive performances, they conveyed the message of urgently saving the lives of farmers who are being driven to commit suicide by banks and money lenders.

Performers from JSS College Ooty Road and Hardwicke Independent PU College commemorated the sacrifices made by the country’s soldiers. While students of CFTRI School performed an adventurous song, students of Mathrumandali College and Cauvery Institute of Health Sciences brought the memories of Kittur Rani Chennamma, Dr. Vishnuvardhan and Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar.

Students from Badariprasadji PU College, Siddarthanagar, performed clips from Ramayana while students of Gundlupet Government First Grade College threw light on the practices followed in border areas. Performers from Holenarasipur Paduvalahippe Sri H.D. Deve Gowda First Grade College enacted Krishna Leela on stage.

The main attraction of the evening was actress Harshika Poonacha who danced to Kodava Vaalaga. Actor-Director Nagendra Prasad accompanied her on stage(first picture on top). Another dancer was Dance Director Kulbhushan who performed for a Puneeth Rajkumar movie song.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 21st, 2022

‘Every experience is a life lesson’ says Kannada film director Kumaar

Director Kumaar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Kumaar has two films, ‘Mansion House Muthu’ and ‘ Nano Narayanappa’ , ready for release

Kumaar has the ability to laugh at his fails. His debut film as a director, Flop, lived up to its name. “The film flopped at the box office too,” the director says with a laugh. He bounced back with Chemistry of Kariyappa, which found favour with the masses and the classes. His next release, Critical Keertanegalu, got a positive response. “The film did not do as well as expected. It was released in May 2022, at a time when K.G.F: Chapter 2 was still going strong. We withdrew the film. Every fall and rise becomes a life lesson”.

Kumaar now has two films — Mansion House Muthu and Nano Narayanappa ready for release “We are waiting for the right time to announce a date.” Mansion House Muthu is based in Madikeri and is inspired by real life stories, according to the director. “I once met a man in a homestay in Madikeri, and he was a very interesting character. This film is inspired by him and also talks about the mud slide, the importance of nature and asks if we are responsible for the chaos in nature.”

All elements of commercial cinema have been used to get the message across, says Kumaar. Playback singer and composer Naveen Sajju makes his debut with this film, which Kumaar describes as a comic thriller.

Nano Narayanappa, the director says, is an emotionally charged film. “There is no romance or young lead actors. This film has Krishnoji Rao (he played the blind old man in K.G.F: Chapter 1) in the lead. We are now planning to make it a bilingual.“

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Entertainment> Movies / by Shilpa Anandraj / September 21st, 2022

Excels In All India Ranking Badminton Tournament

Diya Bheemaiah, 9th std. student of Pragathi Elite Public School, Bogadi, won 3rd place in Doubles in All India Ranking Badminton Tournament held at Goa.

She is Karnataka No. 1 in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles U-15 category. ICSE School Games State-level U-17 winner, she is selected for ICSE Nationals.

Coached by B.P. Bheemaiah and Aroon Pemmaiah, she was feted by Sports Park Management and 93.5 Red FM team recently.

She is seen with (from left) RJ Deepak, RJ Punith, RJ Sunil, RJ Rashmi, RJ Sahana, B.V. Raghav, S. Srikanth and M.R. Sudheendra.

Diya Bheemaiah, 9th std. student of Pragathi Elite Public School, Bogadi, won 3rd place in Doubles in All India Ranking Badminton Tournament held at Goa.

She is Karnataka No. 1 in Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles U-15 category. ICSE School Games State-level U-17 winner, she is selected for ICSE Nationals.

Coached by B.P. Bheemaiah and Aroon Pemmaiah, she was feted by Sports Park Management and 93.5 Red FM team recently.

She is seen with (from left) RJ Deepak, RJ Punith, RJ Sunil, RJ Rashmi, RJ Sahana, B.V. Raghav, S. Srikanth and M.R. Sudheendra.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / August 25th, 2022

Kodava Samaj bans serving liquor during ‘muhurt’ of marriages

The Kodavas are a small ethnic group mostly found in the coffee growing region of Kodagu and are known for their contributions to the Indian armed forces, sports and various other fields.

The Kodava Samaj in Kodagu district on Sunday banned the serving of liquor during the afternoon hours of any weddings as it goes against the ethnic group’s culture. (Representative Photo/HT)
The Kodava Samaj in Kodagu district on Sunday banned the serving of liquor during the afternoon hours of any weddings as it goes against the ethnic group’s culture. (Representative Photo/HT)

The Kodava Samaj in Kodagu district on Sunday banned the serving of liquor during the afternoon hours of any weddings as it goes against the ethnic group’s culture.

“The resolution was taken today (Sunday) by the management body of the samaj and there will be restrictions for consuming liquor during Ganga puja of a marriage. After the puja, if they found consuming liquor the samaj would impose a fine of ₹25,000,” Kalimada Motaiah, the president of the Kodava Samaj, told HT on Sunday.

The statements come almost a year after it made headlines nationally after imposing restrictions on cutting of cake, opening of champagne, not allowing bridegrooms to sport beards and brides not to let their hair loose during the ceremony.

The statement adds to the increasing trend of restricting activities by so-called custodians of culture across several regions in the country in the name of “preserving and protecting” traditions.

The Kodavas are a small ethnic group mostly found in the coffee growing region of Kodagu and are known for their contributions to the Indian armed forces, sports and various other fields.

The community has a distinct culture from other parts of Karnataka or southern India.

Ponnampet is a small town in Kodagu district. Kodagu has several such Kodava samajas which often represent the people living in the specific region and is restricted to members of the community even though some of these venues are let out for weddings and events of other communities as well.

Though considered a progressive community, there have been increasing restrictions on various issues as many elders believe that their distinct identity is being compromised by the actions of youngsters and those who live outside which is not in tune with their heritage.

In 2020, the Balele Kodava samaja has decided not to allow inter caste marriages.

The Kodavas fear that marrying outside the community is leading to a rapid decline in their population, which is among the smallest ethnic groups in the country. There have been instances where Kodavas have objected to the wearing of traditional Kodava attire by those marrying outside the community.

In 2019, the Ammathi Kodava Samaja in the district has taken a decision to ban serving liquor during Ganga puja ceremony, held as part of Kodava weddings. And those breaking this rule will have to pay a fine of ₹25,000 to the Samaja.

“The decisions are being taken to preserve the original culture as youngsters in the community are attracted to western lifestyles. Young Kodava women, particularly girls, migrate to cities for education and employment and end up marrying a person from another caste. This attitude reduces the number of Kodavas who are struggling for survival,” Chaaammatiraaa Praveen Uthappa, president of the Akhila Kodava Samaja’s youth wing.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> Cities> Bengaluru News / by Coovercolly Indresh, Kodagu / September 18th, 2022

Sept 18: Star badminton player Ashwini Ponnappa’s birthday today, know all about her record and medal

New Delhi: 

Today is the birthday of two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Ashwini Ponnappa. She was born on this day in 1989. Ashwini is the first Indian woman badminton player to win a medal in the doubles category of the World Badminton Championships with her doubles partner. Since childhood, she started taking interest in badminton.  

Ashwini’s mother inspired her to play badminton at the age of two and a half and got admission in the academy. It is difficult for her to say when the passion for the game was born in Ashwini Ponnappa as she joined it at a very young age. The Indian badminton player has won many medals in the doubles category in her career. This includes two gold, two silver and one bronze medals in the Commonwealth Games. Apart from this, she has won four gold medals in the South Asian Games.

Ashwini Ponnappa and Jwala Gutta won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. Born on September 18, 1989, in Bangalore, Ashwini Ponnappa recognized her talent and started making a career in badminton from an early age. Ashwini Ponnappa, a specialist in doubles badminton, had her first win at the national level in 2004 at the national championships in the sub-junior girls’ doubles category.

source: http://www.english.newstracklive.com / News Track / Home> Trending / by Laxman Chaurasiya / September 18th, 2022

Mr. Bhakta Visits A Temple In Kodagu

A few months back I went to my ancestral house in Kodagu and also availed the opportunity to go to the nearby Igguthappa Temple — dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the most famous temple in Kodagu located at the foothills of Thadiyandamol near Kakkabe. This deity is considered the God of rain and grain (ಮಳೆ-ಬೆಳೆ). Understandable, Kodagu being an agricultural land of hills and valleys. A land of heavy rains and rich forests.

There in the temple was a senior priest, talkative and gently assertive, overseeing the puja proceedings and general conduct of the devotees. Being in a secluded place surrounded by greenery of paddy fields, coffee estates and forests, the rush of visitors is only during festival days.

As usual, I engaged the priest in a brief conversation standing at the front outer door, as only those who follow the specified ritual practice (vrata) are allowed inside for maintaining madi (sanctity).

Listening to his chatter was both an education about the temple and the local people, a majority of whom are Kodavas. I would like to share one episode he narrated from his experience at the temple.

It happened that once a person went to the temple at a time its doors were being closed. When the person asked this priest to oblige him saying he had come from outside the district, the response was negative with a reprimand. Recognising him as a Kodava, the natives of Kodagu, the priest told him that the temple was of Kodavas, for Kodavas and run by the Kodavas. And for centuries, it was managed and patronised by that native community. Yet they, like this person, do not observe the temple tradition and work to develop it.

I am inclined to agree. Though at present the temple is open to all, it has a Kodava family by name Paradanda as Devathakka (care-takers of the deity) to manage its religious functions.

Since the dim past, the Pattedara (Head) and the Thakka (the spokesperson) of that family (Paradanda) has been responsible for temple pujas, rituals, festivals including Kailpoldh and Puthari, fairs, astrological predictions etc. Of course, times have changed, it is now alleged that a group of Bhaktas is trying to sideline the Paradanda family from this position which is hereditary.

The person said, ‘Of course, I would help’ and suggested that sculptured stone reliefs with images representing Kodava customs, festivals, etc., could adorn the outer walls of the temple.

‘Who would spend money for it?,’ wondered the priest, still adamant refusing to open the door just for the darshan of the deity.

“What’s your name?” asked the priest.

The person, already at the tether end of his patience, simply said, “My name is Bhakta !”

“Bhakta? Not a Kodava name,” the priest said with a derisive smile and added, “anyway, you may come tomorrow.”

The next day, to the person’s surprise, the priest had already spoken to the President of the Temple Management Committee and the President was waiting.

Anticipating a bonanza of a donation, the priest, as was his wont, paid special attention to him in performing puja, offering aarathi and theertha.

As the person was about to leave, the priest beckoned him to meet the President to talk about the wall plaques he had talked about the previous evening. The person began explaining his idea in english, a language he was proficient with, but the President suddenly objected and said, “Being a Kodava, you must speak in Kodava language.

The person, taken aback, shot back: “If that is so, why should you have an english name Charlie?” That one bullet-like shot made President Charlie shut his mouth.

That ended their conversation and also the hope of the priest deeply dedicated to the temple. Whatever it was, I saw beautifully carved stone plaques, embedded on the outer walls, as if to assert the fact that primarily it is a Hindu-Kodava temple.

Recently, there was a news report about non-conventional practices at this temple being objected by the Devathakka. Modern constructions too have come up all around the temple. The stone pavings around the temple premises looks good and enables easy maintenance. But, during summer, these stone slabs get very hot for the comfort of the devotees who traverse that area barefoot, specially those who circumambulate the temple after worship. They must be allowed to wear socks or provide walk-way carpets around the temple.

Be that as it may, to this day, nobody knows who is that generous donor of those beautiful, sculptured stone plaques. The identity seems well wrapped in mystery inside an enigma. However, the donor must be a Bhakta, devotee, of Lord Igguthappa. I believe that those who donate anonymously are like divinity — invisible.

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> abracadabra> Columns / by K.B. Ganapathy / September 11th, 2022

An innocent Ganesh woos a streetsmart Varsha Bollamma in Swathimuthyam’s teaser trailer

Ganesh, the son of producer Bellamkonda Suresh, who makes his debut with the family entertainer, celebrates his birthday today .

Swathimuthyam

Swathimuthyam, the family entertainer starring Ganesh and Varsha Bollamma in lead roles is the underdog among all the Dasara releases on October 5. Directed by debutant Lakshman K Krishna, the film is bankrolled by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi under the leading banner Sithara Entertainments. Mahathi Swara Sagar scores the music for the film, whose teaser trailer was launched today, commemorating the birthday of the lead actor Ganesh.

In the special birthday glimpse, the soon-to-be married couple, played by Ganesh and Varsha Bollamma, is in the middle of an interesting conversation. While an innocent Ganesh attempts to say something to his fiancé, she questions him in return, if he has any problem. He brushes aside any such problems. After a series of incidents, the girl even tells him ‘I think I know why you have been single all your life.’ The chemistry between the lead pair warrants your attention.

The family entertainer has all the ingredients to make for an ideal festive release – romance, family drama and memorable music. This is the debut project for Ganesh, son of producer Bellamkonda Suresh and brother to Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas. Naresh, Rao Ramesh, Subbaraju, Vennela Kishore, Harshavardhan, Pammi Sai, Sapthagiri, Goparaju Ramana, Siva Narayana, Pragathi, Surekha Vani, Sunaina, Divya Sripada are also part of the cast.

Nee Chaaredu Kalle and Dum Dum Dum are the two songs from the film that have already been launched. Suryaa cranks the camera for the film which is edited by Navin Nooli and has art direction by Avinash Kolla. PDV Prasad is the presenter. The banner’s other major release this year is Sir/Vaathi, actor Dhanush’s first straight Telugu film helmed by Venky Atluri. Samyuktha Menon is cast as the female lead in the same.

source: http://ottplay.com / OTTplay / Home> News / by Srivasthan Nadadhur / September 14th, 2022

5 souvenirs from Coorg that you must take home

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.

Information

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.

Information

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 Madhavi appointed as Member of Coffee Board

HIGHLIGHTS

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.

YSRCP MP Goddeti Madhavi

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

Only The Younger Generation Can Save Their Culture From Vanishing…

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