Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jul 20: Ashada Amavasya or Aati Amavasya was celebrated in the coastal belt of the state on Monday, July 20. The important ritual of this celebration is the drinking of potion that is prepared devoutly from a beautiful tree known as Paale or Palembu. It also has divine status. It is said to be related to Taurus. Its scientific name is Alstonia scholaris R Br (Apocynaceae).
Most of the celebrations have taken a backseat due to the increasing cases of coronavirus infections in the state. However, the people of coastal districts celebrated Aati Amavasya with more devotion this year. There is a belief that Ashada month or Aati month is the time during which there will be heavy rains as well as bright sunshine. This gives rise to many infections, it is believed. That is why the first day of the month is celebrated as Aati Amavasya by the people of coastal districts.
People having Aati Kashaya in Mangaluru
People of Dakshina Kannada district take holy bath on this day at the Karinja and Narahari hills which are pilgrimage centres of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the potion that is made from the Paale tree will have maximum medicinal benefits if consumed on this particular day. This is consumed by people of all age groups beginning from children to elderly.
It is believed that the immunity of the body will improve greatly if this potion is consumed on the day of Aati Amavasya. According to a resident of Mangaluru, this bitter juice has got more importance and prominence this year because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. There is an unwritten ritual that everyone has to drink this bitter potion on empty stomach before sunrise on Aati Amavasya day. However, many used to avoid drinking the same because of its taste. But this year due to the scare of coronavirus, even such people have consumed this potion without fail.