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

Mangalore, Aug 12: 'Aatidonji Dina', a programme organized at Guttina Mane in Pilikula here on Tuesday August 12 to showcase and experience the rich culture of Tulunadu, saw a good number of visitors.

The event was organized by Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park, Pilikula Nisargadhama, in association with Karnataka Tulu Sahithya Accademy, Mangalore taluk Mahila Mandalagala Okkuta, and the district Kannada and culture department.

Food made from natural ingredients was the special attraction of the day. Traditional dishes like ‘patrode’, ‘pelakai gatti’, ‘sarne adde’, 'Akki Unde', ‘kudutha saar-chatni’, ‘timareda chatni’, ‘pelakai garage’, ‘Menthada Ganji’ and many more over 21 dishes were presented to gathering.

The formal programme began with lighting of the traditional lamp and prayer.

Addressing the gathering, Prof B A Viveka Rai, president of Samskruti Grama, Pilikula Nisargadhama, said, "Guttina Mane is striving to keep the tradition of Tulunadu by organising 'Aatidonji Dina'. Aati was considered a bad omen as many people used to fall sick. People would use natural vegitables which were tasty, healthy and good medicines for sickness." He also stressed on the importance of protecting the environment and maintaining cleanliness of water storages to lead a healthy life.

Noted writer and scholar Dr Arya Lakshminarayana Alva narrated his life story and said he enjoyed living in joint families. "We see some old houses now but the life of love and care has vanished from society. People who stay in flats are unaware of the people living in the next flat. We do not need modernization but we need a loving and caring life." He also spoke on the women's freedom in the coastal region and also gave a call to protect the culture of Tulunadu.

Deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district and president of Pilikula Nisargadhama A B Ibrahim in his address said, "We in this modern times live in flats without our parents, this is not our culture. We need to experience life in the ancient traditonal way and this will bring joy and satisfaction in our lives. Let's put our efforts to save the vanishing culture of Tulunadu." He also gave details of how Aati month is celebrated in coastal and various parts of india.

Vamananda compered the event.

M Janaki Brahmavar, president of Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Accademy, S A Prabhakara Sharma, executive director of Dr Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama, Chandrahasa B Rai, deputy director of Kannada and culture department, Vijayalakshmi B Shetty president of taluk Mahila Mandalagala Okkuta and others were present.

Cultural events like Janapada Kunitha, Chennamani Aata added colour to the event. Exhibits on medicinal plants and traditional items and antiquities used in a rural setting were also organized.