Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MD)

Mangalore, Jul 20: There was a flavour of traditional Tulunadu culture in the atmosphere. The antique pieces exhibited reminded one of the 'Gutthuda Ill'. Traditional dances added to the aura, while folk songs in Tulu transported one to another world.

This was the essence of ‘Aatida Koota’ organized jointly by Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy and Soujanya Mahila Mandala at Shri Radhakrishna Mandira, near Urwa Marigudi temple on Saturday July 19.

Members of the Mandala were in full zeal to display the hospitality of Tulunadu with traditional mouth-watering delicacies. They included idli, midi uppinakayi, moode, tajank palya, poombe palya, kanile padengi, kuduttha chutney, pelakai appa, pelakai gatti, tejank chattambade, kukkuda tambuli, tetla huli and many others. A speciality about these dishes is that they are not just food items but possess medicinal qualities to fight diseases commonly seen in the month of Aati.

Ages ago, Aati was the toughest month of all, because of the heavy rain that restricted people from venturing out of their homes. With farmers taking rest after the paddy sowing season, members of the agricultural families would prepare such delicacies at home and savour them while the rain god showered blessings on their fields.

The members of the Mahila Mandala enacted a skit showcasing the traditional games and practices of the month of Aati.

Indeed, it was true delight for the tastebuds as well as a perfect opportunity to learn about the culture of Tulunadu.