Report by Michael Rodrigues
Team Mangalorean Udupi

Udupi: It was a special occasion for those who attended 'Aati Donji Dina' organized by  the local Udupi unit of Yuvavahini Mangalore (R) and Billava Seva Sangha, Ramakrishan Bhajana Mandira Kuthpady here on Sunday July 22.

The event brought back memories of Tulu Nadu's culture in the minds of all present. Aaati being a special month for the Tuluvas. A wide array of tasty, home-made traditional food items prepared by the women folks of Yuvavahini and the Billava Seva Sangha was the main attraction of this event.

The programme was inaugurated by Sri Brahmabaidarkala Garodi Kuthpady president Bola Poojary. Kudi Vasantha Shetty, speaking on the occasion said that, this is to recall the past memories of our elders in tulunadu, and the tradition they follow in the month of Aati. In olden days the month of Aati was considered as a month of heavy rain and less work, they were utilizing this time for preparing various medicines from the leaves which are available in the month of July, it is said that the medicines are very powerful if prepared during the Aati season. Further he said that in this modern era, we are losing the importance of Aati, and have adopted modern Technology. He urged the gathering to retain the age old tradition and preserve the rich heritage of Tulunadu.

The various dishes of Tulunadu included “Kudutha Saar,” “Pathrode,” “Chilimbi Adde,” “Gunda Chatni,” “Pelakayi gatti,” “Pelakayeeda Mulka,” “Thimare Chatni,” “Neeruppadada Chatni,” “Pejakayeeda Chatni,” “Thevu-Padpe Gasi,” “Nurge-Bole Kajeepu,” “Uppudacchira Aajadina,” “Sarne Adde,” “Manjolda Irathe Gatti,” “Thouthe Koddel,” and “Muditha Uppad” among other delicacies.

President of the local Udupi unit of Yuvavahini, Chidananda Kotian presided over the function. Tulu Kannada writer Janaki Brahmavar, president of Billava Seva Sangha, Ramakrishan Bhajana Mandira Kuthpady Udupi was the guest of honour.

Yuvavahini secretary Prajwal Anchan, treasurer Umesh Karkera, director of the programme Ramesh Kumar, Convener Naveen Salian and Prathima Mohan were also present on the occasion.