Kodagu farmers protest conversion of farmland into reserve forests

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The farmers set fire to the government order notifying conversion of category C and D land and cautioned of indefinite protest if their problems are not addressed by December 5.

Hundreds of farmers adorning green shawls on their shoulders formed a human chain protesting the government order. Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Hundreds of farmers from across the Kodagu formed a human chain at the heart of Somwarpet town to protest the conversion of category C and D land into forest areas.

The farmers alleged that the Forest Department “is devising a conspiracy” to convert farmland into reserved forests through a notification under Section 4.

“This is not just the problem of the farmers of Kodagu, it is a problem across the entire state. The protest will be made a statewide struggle,” declared the protestors.

Somwarpet Raitha Horata Samithi, Raitha Sangha, and Coffee Growers’ Union organised the protest demanding relief with regards to the land issue. Hundreds of farmers adorning green shawls on their shoulders gathered at Somwarpet.

They expressed their anguish that the state and central governments are turning a blind eye despite the daily harassment of the farmers by the Forest Department.

A conference to discuss the issue was later hosted by the farmer leaders.

President of the Raitha Horata Samiti Suresh Chakravarthy, who presided over the meeting, said that the previous governments and officials had not conducted a joint survey. He accused the officials of submitting wrong information by sitting in an AC room.

“Due to the irresponsibility of the officials and the negligence of the governments, farmers have come to the streets today,” he opined.

He demanded the MLAs of the district to intervene and solve the decade-old problem. He alleged foresters of exploiting the farmers by destroying the cultivated crops.

He added, “If Naxalism arises in Kodagu, it is because of the government.”

The farmers set fire to the government order and cautioned of indefinite protest in front of the DC Office in Madikeri if their problems are not addressed by December 5.

Manju Kiran, state executive member of the Karnataka State Farmers’ Association’s Green Army, said that the major JCB parties in the state (Janata Dal, Congress, BJP) are eating away at the people’s land and livelihood.

“Farmers should not trust political parties. They should not salute them. Women farmers should also join the struggle. Only then will the struggle be successful,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 03rd, 2025

CM announces Rs. 1 crore grant for Chenanda Cup Hockey-2026

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Madikeri:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday announced a financial grant of Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey Festival to be held in 2026 in Kodagu district.

Unveiling the Hockey Festival’s logo at his home Office ‘Krishna’ in Bengaluru, the CM praised Kodava community’s deep-rooted association with the sport. 

The 26th Chenanda Cup Hockey will be held at Napoklu from Apr. 5 to May 2, 2026.

“Kodavas mean hockey and hockey means Kodavas,” he remarked, highlighting the region’s legacy of producing national and international-level players, including Asian Games.

Siddaramaiah lauded the Kodava community for preserving its cultural identity while excelling in sports. “Kodava culture has retained its distinctiveness and continues to thrive. It is a matter of pride for our heritage. Their talent and dedication have brought immense honour to the nation,” he said. Pledging Government support, he added, “We will provide Rs. 1 crore for Chenanda Cup Hockey-2026. I will also attend the matches.”

The event was attended by office-bearers of Chenanda Cup, Virajpet MLA and CM’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Kodagu District Minister N.S. Boseraju, Ministers Byrathi Suresh and Shivaraj Thangadgi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 04th, 2025

Selected for BCCI’s Cooch Behar U-19 probables

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Mysuru:

Kodagu’s Gaurav Appanna Chendanda has earned a coveted spot among the 39 probables shortlisted for the prestigious Cooch Behar Under-19 cricket tournament conducted by the BCCI.

This year he is the only player selected from Kodagu district making this achievement significant for the region.

An all-rounder, Gaurav is a right-arm fast bowler and a right-handed batsman known for his discipline, work ethic and consistent performances. At just 18, he has been pursuing cricket professionally for the past decade.  He is the son of Chendanda Naveen and Reshma couple, who hails from Chembebellur village near Virajpet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / November 03rd, 2025

Mini-hydel proposal near Pushpagiri in Karnataka’s Kodagu dist. kindles concern over Western Ghats conservation

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A proposal has surfaced for the construction of a mini-hydel project across the Kumaradhara river in Kodagu district at a time when the conservation of Western Ghats should be a policy priority.

The proposal in question is for the Sri Shantamallikarjuna Mini Hydel Project across the Kumaradhara in Kodagu, which seeks the diversion of 2.8 hectares of forestland in Kumarahalli village of Somwarpet taluk.

This has been proposed by M/s Poorna Pragna Infrastructure of Hassan district and is pending before the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Division, for examination and recommendation.

However, conservationists have expressed concern drawing attention to ecological issues and the degradation of the Western Ghat ecosystem under the guise of mini and micro hydel systems.

Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has appealed to the Forest Department to deny permission for the project on grounds that the site was close to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary — an important elephant habitat and home to several species listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Mr. Kulkarni said that the project area reportedly falls within the sanctuary’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notified in June 2017 and lies barely 2.5 km from its boundary.

“The region is already facing severe habitat fragmentation due to multiple infrastructure projects, unregulated tourism, and mini-hydel projects, and the new proposal, if approved, will further add to anthropogenic pressure and have a negative impact on the elephant corridor,” said Mr. Kulkarni. While it will threaten the survival of key species, it will also aggravate human-elephant conflict in the region, he cautioned.

Underlining the importance of conserving the project area, Mr. Kulkarni said failure to do so will also result in the degradation of the riverine ecosystem. The attention of the authorities was also drawn to recurring incidents of landslides in the region due to habitat degradation and measures to stop further deterioration of the ecosystem were sought.

The representation made to the Forest Department on October 28, 2025, also sought to remind the authorities of the State government affidavit filed before the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 9333/2009, wherein it undertook not to permit new mini hydel projects in the Western Ghats.

“The High Court had accepted this undertaking, leading to the cancellation of several proposed schemes. Any new approval, Kulkarni argued, would contradict this commitment and violate the State’s stated conservation policy,” said Mr. Kulkarni.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / November 11th, 2025

“Pathalodhi Namme” at Paadi on 27.10.2025

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa is a gifted orator and custodian of Kodava Culture. For generations the Paradanda family have been tasked with keeping the customs and traditions at the Padi Igguthappa Temple pristine and relevant. While being extremely proficient with such knowledge, his humility shows when he unhesitatingly seeks external assistance from elders in the community to validate his thoughts. Subramani does his best to elegantly recollect the customs for the Kodava community.
– CLN Newsdesk.

In keeping with Kodava tradition, from the sunrise on the day of Kani Puja – which is essentially performed in Kodava households following the Teerthodbhava at TaleKaveri, the tenth sunrise marks the sacred day known as Pathalodhi, also referred to as Tholayaar Pathh. Coincidentally this event takes place a few days before the rising full moon – considered positive by the Kodavas as it signifies growth. This tenth day is therefore considered very auspicious for undertaking any good or new initiative, as it is believed that any work commenced on this day will be blessed by the Divine Force in an enduring manner. Typically piercing of ears, lagna patrike, marking the site for construction of houses, House warming… are undertaken on this date. Many Kodavas observe Karona Kodupa on this day in Okka AinManes.

A similar practice takes place in Tulunad.

At Paadi, the Paradanda family traditionally is given the responsibility of performing the Tholayaar Patth Aaradhane on Monday, 27th October 2025.

On this occasion, special poojas, Tulabhara Sevas, and Maha Poojas will be performed. An interesting aspect is that at the end of the ceremonies, after the circumambulation of the Temple, the idol of Igguthappa is brought to the South-East facing corner under the sacred (milk bearing) jackfruit tree – symbolically facing His Sister Pannangala Thamme, as well as generally considered the Gulliga Sthaana.

There are other details relating to certain agricultural practices that are of no further significance due to the advancement of veterinary science and is superficial, hence not being mentioned.

Devotees are requested to visit the Paadi Sri Igguthappa in large numbers to the Temple on this auspicious occasion. It is important to keep up with traditions that make us Kodavas and Kodava Bashikas who we are.

The Devathakka’s Prayer at Tholayaar Pathh

The prayer commences by inviting the devotees who offered Thulabara Pooja to the Deity in the morning. As a matter of interest, Thulabara is open for all, irrespective of their caste.
Towards the end the Devathakka invokes Igguthappa’s blessings for the entire land of Kodagu; His kindness to influence the weather Gods from extreme weather – rain or sunshine, so that there are bountiful crops with enough water to survive comfortably; lush canopy of greenery with abundant produce in the fruit bearing trees so that even the pranipakshi, ettha kadchi and mankind can survive comfortably.

Another very important and interesting aspect of the prayer is that forgiveness is sought if any rituals or Tantra or Mantra is erred by the priest or if the chandekol maaraya missed a beat. Similar forgiveness Is sought for any errant occurrence by the person who bears the divine umbrella, the bearer of the chamara and chatri to be forgiven and last but not the least – the prayer ends with an abundant supply of oil for the sacred lamp and the padiyakki which is served as naivedhyam to the Deity.

Finally, in Kodava culture.. there is no overbearing influence of mantra and tantra when praying before nellakki bolcha in kodava thakk. This equates us as “one” (equal in stature) in all our prayers – even our Guru Karonas and the Gods are addressed in first person. Significantly the Gurukarona’s image is etched in the first step of Namaskara Mantap where the Devathakka stands and prays to the Deity. The stark simplicity and rustic yet sophisticated nature of our customs is remarkable and it is our duty to understand, practice and nurture it for future generations.

source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles / by Paradanda Subramani Kaveriappa / October 25th, 2025

CNC Offers Pathalodhi Tributes at Kodagu Sites

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022))

HIGHLIGHTS

Recall Codava Bravery and Royal Atrocities

Madikeri:

The Codava National Council (CNC) marked “Pathalodhi”, the auspicious 10th day after Talacauvery’s holy water emergence, with poignant ceremonies at Mullusoge War Memorials, Madikeri Fort, and Naalnaad Palace in Kodagu.

Under Chairman N.U. Nachappa Codava, the events on October 26, celebrated Codava martial valour and lamented over two centuries of royal tyranny that decimated the indigenous Animistic tribe from 1633 to 1834.

Mullusoge, along the Cauvery near Kushalnagar, hosted tributes to Codava warriors who thwarted Hyder Ali and Tipu’s assaults more than 32 times, preserving Codavaland’s independence. Meedhi offerings exalted these protectors against Mysore aggression.

At Madikeri Fort (9:30 AM), the CNC mourned 40,000+ Codavas slaughtered inside, with 842 clans extinguished by Tipu and Rajas. The fort’s 201-year dark era saw Chaadi Siddi (spy)-executed beheadings for trivial defiance, epitomised by Tipu’s Devattparamb betrayal massacre. Oblations prayed for victims’ repose and CNC’s success in securing ST status and self-rule.

Naalnaad Palace in Yevakapadi (12:30 PM) saw floral honours for clans wiped out by Keladhi/Paaleri rulers. Abductions for royal gratification led to infants’ live burials in “Nagaari Kund”; resisters like Puliyanda Karicha were elephant-dragged to death. Kaapala mercenaries from Malabar enforced decapitations. Masti Venkatesha Iyengar’s “Chikavira Rajendra” immortalises this savagery, the CNC highlighted.

Post-1947 governance inherited this persecution, the CNC charged, exploiting Codava loyalty before erasure. Calling for atonement, it demanded GOI and GOK enact ST listing, 6th Schedule autonomy, “Gun-Thok” safeguards under Articles 25–26, and a unique 2026–27 census identifier for the non-caste, Animistic Codavas.

Participants with Nachappa were Chambanda Janath, Nandetira Ravi Subbaiah, Thennira Mina, Areyada Girish, Puttichanda Don Devaiah, Apparanda Viju, Apparanda Prasad, Nandineravanda Bopanna, Apparanda Prakash, Apparanda Vivek, Mekerira Babbu, Areyada Savan, Kupadhira Rani Monnapa, and Kupadhira Monnappa, uniting in solemn remembrance.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by Hans News Service / October 26th, 2025

Homestays, hotels in Karnataka’s Kodagu district directed to pay minimum wages to workers

Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad presiding over a meeting in Madikeri on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad on Thursday directed representatives of labour unions, homestay and hotel associations, and other organisations to ensure that workers are paid minimum wages without fail and warned of strict action in case complaints are received.

Chairing a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office here, the Minister emphasised the need to create awareness among workers about government schemes, including health insurance, and stressed safety measures in homestays and hotels, such as installation of CCTVs and compulsory collection of guest details.

On the issue of registration, licensing, and renewal of homestays in Kodagu, the Minister said discussions would be held with the Tourism, Urban Development, and Panchayat Raj Ministers. He suggested that associations appoint a PRO or a liaison officer to coordinate registration and renewal processes, adding that pending applications could be cleared during the quarterly KDP (Karnataka Development Programme) meetings.

MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda, who was present at the meeting, said that a delegation would soon meet Tourism and other Ministers after the conclusion of the Dasara festival. Tourism officials informed that nearly 230 applications are pending in the district.

During the meeting, labour union leaders drew attention to shortage of labour inspectors, continuation of the traditional bonded-labour system, and difficulties faced by plantation workers. Responding, the Minister assured that joint inspections involving Revenue, Labour, Police, Panchayat Raj, and other departments would be conducted if specific cases were reported.

The Minister said that payment of minimum wages is mandatory and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of unorganised workers.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 18th, 2025

Do you love coffee? Attend this unique festival in Mumbai that celebrates the beverage

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India International Coffee Festival kicks off this week, and it promises a packed calendar for javaphiles in Mumbai.

The competitions receive participating entries from home brewers and professional baristas. Pics courtesy/IICF

If you are a coffee lover, and take keen interest in its craft, India International Coffee Festival (IICF) to be held within the Bakery & HoReCa Industry Show is where you should be from October 30 to November 1.

Organised by Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI), the event will see six preliminary rounds of competitions including flagship National Barista Championship, Brewer’s Cup Championship, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Latte Art Championship. The final will be held in Bengaluru later this year. It is a great spot to network and engage with representatives from the entire coffee value chain across India.

The jury consists of qualified tasters

DM Purnesh, a fourth-generation coffee grower from Chikmagalur and immediate past president, SCAI, part from industry folks, the event is a great place for entrepreneurs, aspiring professionals, and enthusiasts to understand about coffee and its process. Over the last 23 years that we have been running competitions, we have seen a lot of interest from home brewers.

A participant takes part in a filter coffee making challenge

A qualified jury judges the competitions. Winners at Indian Barista Champion 2025 to be held in Bengaluru later this year will go on to represent at global competition World Barista Championship 2025,” says Purnesh.

Exhibiting brands include Kaapi Machine and Solutions, caffeine superstore Benki, Brewing Gadgets and Trufrost & Butler.

Serious about coffee

(Left) Suhas Dwarkanath; (right) a participant takes part in a previous coffee-making championship

Hamsini Appadurai, president, SCAI, is happy consumers are more aware in recent years and want to know where their coffee comes from. “Gone are the days when we would order a cup of coffee.

We also have a Brewers Cup and Filter Coffee Championship, which sees participation from home brewers as well. We want everybody to catch the coffee bug,” she tells us.

Micro communities around coffee are thriving on social media, WhatsApp and offline. “Makers discuss brewing and brewing techniques. The competitions are becoming a sort of value badge, allowing homebrewers to showcase their talent of working with different kinds of coffees and techniques,” adds Appadurai.

DM Purnesh and Hamsini Appadurai

Suhas Dwarkanath, last year’s winning barista who recently notched the 15th spot at the World Barista Championship 2025, says the festival is a great place to meet with the community exchanging ideas, networking and most importantly learning from others. “Trends today include coffee mocktails and Coffee Omakase sessions where barista-led Omakase coffee sessions are hosted over a multi-course tasting experience just like an omakase sushi dinner. It is a unique journey of coffee beverages for the diner. The expert highlights unique flavours, origins, and innovative preparations, sometimes with accompanying food pairings.”

On October 30 to November 1
At Bakery and HoReCa Business, Jio World Convention Centre, Bandra Kurla Complex. 
Time 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Register www.bakerybusiness.in 
Entry Rs 500

source: http://www.mid-day.com /mid-day / Home> Mumbai Guide News> Things to do News> Articles / by Phorum Pandya (smdmail@mid-day.com) / Mumbai, October 28th, 2025

Ritvik Muralidhar: Sundari Sundari had to feel original in every language

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Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song from Peter has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.

A still from Sundari Sundari

Peter is about creating hope, says director Sukesh Shetty, describing his upcoming sensitive crime drama that blends love, action, and local traditions. “We made sure the film meets expectations, and we worked as one team. About 50 per cent of the shooting was done in the rain. Music had to be a highlight, so Ritvik Muralidhar worked on a song that could become a trend,” Sukesh added, speaking on the sidelines of the recent launch of the film’s first song, ‘Sundari Sundari’.

Talking about the intent of the song, Ritvik says, “Our goal was to make the song feel original in every language, using all live instruments. The credit goes to the entire team. Three more songs will be released soon.”

The visuals of the song feature Rajesh Dhruva and Raviksha Shetty in a romantic sequence, with lyrics by Nagarjun Sharma, and sung by Kapil Kapilan and Sunidhi Ganesh. Shot across stunning locations in Madikeri, the song has been simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam.

Actor Rajesh Dhruva, who stars in the film, described the journey as special: “Sukesh wanted something extraordinary, and producers Ravi Hiremath and Rakesh Hegde supported the vision. Every note of Sundari Sundari lands on your heart. It’s the kind of song that will stay on everyone’s playlist.”

Peter is a sensitive crime drama rooted in tradition, highlighting the Chende Mela — a 300-year-old drum ensemble integral to Kerala’s cultural performances such as Yakshagana and Bhutakola. The film promises an immersive theatre experience, bringing this centuries-old folk rhythm to life on screen.

Produced under the Vruddhi Studios banner, the ensemble cast includes Janvi Rayala, Pratima Nayak, Raghu Pandeshwar, and Ram Nadagouda, with cinematography by Guruprasad Narnad, collection by Naveen Shetty, and art direction by Devaraj Kala.

source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / b y A Sharadhaa / September 13th, 2025