Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 8: Aati Kalenja is one of the prominent celebrations in Tulu Nadu, and today, the Aati Kalenja dance was performed at the Kalmale in Kelinja, Veerakamba village.

During the heavy rains of the Aati month, it has been a tradition for Aati Kalenja to visit each home to ward off the evil spirits or diseases that might afflict the village. This practice has been in place for a long time.

In the Tulu culture, during the month of Aati (Ashadha: the fourth month in the lunar calendar), people from the Nalike or Panara communities dress up as Aati Kalenja and visit homes, dancing as they go. A young boy is given a palm leaf umbrella to hold while dancing, and in the background, a male plays the 'tembare' (a percussion instrument). The Aati Kalenja costume typically includes coconut fronds tied around the waist, anklets on the legs, paint on the hands and body, a beard and mustache, and a headdress adorned with areca leaves and kiskara flowers.

Purpose of the Aati Kalenja

According to Tulu folklore, the purpose of the Aati Kalenja dance is to drive away evil spirits or diseases from both humans and animals. The beginning of Ashadha in Tulu culture marks the onset of the monsoon season. If there is no rain, the heat increases, and lakes and ponds start to dry up, leading to water scarcity and the spread of diseases. This period of transition between the end of summer and the start of the rainy season is significant. There is a Tulu proverb that says, "If the sun burns hot during Aati, even the elephant's back will crack" (Aatida dombu aneta beripu?apu), emphasizing the harshness of the weather. Hence, it is believed that Aati Kalenja drives away diseases, which is why Aati Kalenja holds an important place in Tulu Nadu.

Main Objective is to preserve tradition: Somappa

Somappa Surulimole, a resident of Mangalapadavu Surulimole near Vitla, has been preserving the tradition of Aati Kalenja. He mentioned that they visit every Hindu household in the three villages of Kelinja, Okkettur, and Veerakamba.

Somappa expressed his joy that people still celebrate with enthusiasm when Aati Kalenja visits their homes, just like in the old days. His son, Tilak Raj, who dressed up as Aati Kalenja this year, has completed his diploma with first-class honors and plans to continue his studies while preserving their traditional practices and celebrations. He shared that his father taught him, and it is his wish that the next generation continues this tradition.

The effort to pass on and preserve the Aati Kalenja tradition and practices for future generations is a matter of pride.