Reinstating a tradition that had been followed for generations and interrupted at times, traditionally dressed Kodava men and women, with the women carrying ‘Thaliyathakki Bolcha’ (a brass plate with rice and a traditional lamp), walked barefoot from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery in a Padayatra, singing praises to the Goddess.
They gathered at the Sri Bhagandeshwara Swamy Temple in Bhagamandala and walked to Talacauvery. The procession was led by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, actors Bhuvan Ponnanna and Harshika Poonacha.
Various Kodava organisations, including the United Kodava Organisation, Kodava Riders Club, Akhila Kodava Samaja Youth Wing, and members of numerous Kodava associations, participated in the Padayatra.
Notable figures such as Kodagu District Minister N.S. Boseraju, MP Pratap Simha, MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja, Superintendent of Police Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat CEO Varnith Negi, Temple ‘Thakka Mukhyasta’ Kodi Motaiah, Balladka Appaji and other village elders were present.
At the confluence of Triveni Sangama in Bhagamandala, rituals such as ‘Pinda Pradana’ (offering) and ‘Keshamundana’ (tonsure), along with other traditional pujas, were conducted. Free KSRTC bus services were provided for devotees traveling from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery.
Early morning refreshments and afternoon lunch and prasadam were arranged for all devotees by Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga and other voluntary organisations.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 18th, 2023
Mukkatira Kavery Muthanna, a resident of Mysuru, is currently serving as a member of the officiating team in the game of golf at the ongoing 19th Asian Games, which are taking place in Hangzhou, China.
She holds a role in the Technical Rules Official team, which consists of 24 referees from various countries. The official rounds are scheduled to take place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at the West Lake Golf Course in Hangzhou, featuring 121 players.
Kavery Muthanna is well-qualified, having completed the Level 3 Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) under the R&A. (R&A is a leading body within the world of golf and engages and supports activities to ensure it is a thriving sport for all on a global scale.)
She has actively officiated various amateur and women’s professional golf tournaments in India, showcasing her expertise in the field. Her experience also extends to her role as a Rules Official at the 36th National Games in 2022, held in Ahmedabad.
In addition to her involvement in golf and sports officiating, Kavery Muthanna is part of the Kavery Education Trust in Virajpet and serves as its Chairperson. She is married to Mukkatira Manju Muthanna and is the daughter of Guddanda Kanthy and Nanda Ganapathy.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / September 28th, 2023
The International Coffee Organization, in partnership with the Coffee Board of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the Government of Karnataka, and the coffee industry, announced the National Latte Art, Barista, Filter Coffee, Women’s Star Brewer and Fine Cup Award Championships on the last day of the 5th World Coffee Conference 2023 at Bengaluru Palace.
WCC 2023 hosted competitions and championships during the 4-day event the most coveted of which is the National Barista Championship. The prestigious competition is designed to recognize the most technically proficient and talented baristas in the field. It is dedicated to promoting excellence throughout the entire coffee value chain, fostering skill development, and cultivating a thriving café culture in India. The winner will represent India in The World Barista Championship to be held in South Korea, and a cash prize was also awarded. Mr. Hrishikesh Mohite from Café’ De Meet won the National Barista Championship 2024 at the WCC 2023.
At the Women’s Star Brewer Skills Championship, female baristas and home brewers were offered a platform to proudly display their coffee brewing prowess, demonstrating their skills. Participants were allowed to craft a ‘Signature Beverage’ utilizing home brewing equipment. The Women’s Star Brewer Skills Championship is awarded to Priti Pradhan.
The National Latte Art Championship made its debut in India, bringing an exciting blend of artistic expression and barista skills to the forefront. This unique competition challenges baristas with on-the-spot performances that showcase their creativity and precision. From over 150 contestants, Mr. Mohammad Afsar was awarded as the champion who will now participate in the International Latte Art Championship in Taiwan.
The Great Indian Filter Coffee Championship is a celebration of traditional Indian coffee craftsmanship, designed to promote and nurture the art of brewing the quintessential Filter Coffee. From 27 participants went head-to-head Vani Shree N from Brown Bean Artistry was declared the winner.
1758 contestants participated in the ‘Flavour of India – The Fine Cup Award Cupping Competition’ which was on a mission to award the production of high-quality coffees in India.
-The winner of Best Washed Arabica is awarded to Mrs. Killo Aswini
–Best Arabica Naturals is awarded to M/s. Kruthi Coffee, Kindriguda Tribal Farmers Group
–Best Washed Robusta is awarded to Mr. Jacob Mammen, M/s Badra Estate Balehonnur Estate
–Best Robusta Naturals is awarded to Mr. Jacob Mammen M/s. Badra Balehonnur Estate.
The 4-day international event featured Conferences, Skill Building Workshops, a Growers Conclave, CEOs and global Leaders Forums, Startup Conclave, Competitions, and awards, and an Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge coffee products and services.
Sandalwood actress Nidhi Subbaiah added glitz and glamour to ‘Manasayana- 2023’, a cultural festival organised by University of Mysore Vidyarthi Okkoota in Manasagangothri campus here recently.
The students of various Departments showcased their talents in cultural programmes, as the fellow students among the audience, went gaga, shaking their legs to the foot tapping music, soaking in joy in the evening filled with music.
Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Nidhi Subbaiah said “I am reminded of my college days, as I studied in Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) near the same campus. I was very lucky to pursue education in Mysuru.”
“Mysuru is the best city. Like you, I was also enjoying the cultural programmes during my student days. I am filled with energy upon seeing your love and affection. Watch my movies and support me,” said Nidhi Subbaiah.
Asking the audience whether they want to be regaled with a film dialogue, Nidhi recalled the famous lines “Nimmannella Uddara Maduvudu Bittu Nangen Bere Kelsa Ilva. Gand Maklu Sahavasa Hagalella Upavasa” from her runaway hit movie Pancharangi, to the applause of the gathering.
Managing Director of Neurozone – Brain and Spine Care Dr. H.V. Shushrutha Gowda said “University of Mysore is one of the prestigious Universities and the alumni have been serving as doctors and scientists, besides decorating many top positions. Even my father Dr. H. C. Vishnumurthy studied in the same Varsity and founded the Gopala Gowda Shanthaveri Memorial Hospital 45 years ago. Our hospital has been catering to patients from rural areas to provide health service on priority.”
Dr. Shushrutha said, “I was in USA for a few years, where I had my higher education and returned to the country. The Super Speciality services were not easily available for rural people then, which pained me. To address the gap, I conducted 40 free health check-up camps to provide health services at the doorsteps of the people and also gave free super speciality services to about 10,000 people.”
Gundlupet MLA H.M. Ganesh Prasad said “One should put efforts at the student level to gain knowledge and education.”
A music album titled ‘Vishwa-guru Anna Basavanna’ of Girish Bendaravadi was also released on the occasion.
Former Syndicate Member of UoM Kumar, leader Harish Moganna, programme organiser Abhishek Palegar and Kaviraj were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 29th, 2023
The film, which begins with a narration, might come across more like a movie than a documentary, and Karumbaiah says it was a deliberate effort.
Bengaluru :
Thashwini Karumbaiah’s documentary film Kodavas – The Highlanders is a deep insight into the rich culture and heritage of Kodavas, renowned as a warrior clan. Hailing from the same community, the filmmaker wanted to document it in some way.
As a passion project, the film took more than two years to be made. “When the British came, they changed the name to Coorg, it is actually Kodagu,” says Karumbaiah adding, “As a Kodavati, I wanted to preserve our culture and attire and thought the best way to document all of it was in the form of a film.”
The film, which begins with a narration, might come across more like a movie than a documentary, and Karumbaiah says it was a deliberate effort. “I wanted to experiment with the documentary. Usually, documentaries are shot in a very different way but I come from a background where we do films and serials, so I wanted to make it cinematic. At one glance, people might feel there is a story behind every chapter. But it is a documentary,” says Karumbaiah about the film that was co-produced by Vaishno Studios.
Hailing from Kodagu, Karumbaiah has heard many stories in the family about the community.
However, the research for the film helped her discover many things that she had not known. “For example, when we started talking about battles that happened in Kodagu, we realised that a lot of them have gone unnoticed. It’s only orally been passed down from the older generations. We came across some of these stories which were interesting,” she adds.
Although the film started as a passion project with no commercial idea in mind, Karumbaiah is hoping to screen it at an international film festival next year.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Monika Monalisa, Express News Service / September 20th, 2023
The 21st Annual Get-together and Annual Meeting of Ramakrishnanagar I Block Kodava Welfare Association was held recently under the Chairmanship of Kodandera Pushpa Machaiah at The Roost Hotel in city.
On the occasion, the Association felicitated Poodrimada Somaiah, Retd. Captain, Indian Army, in recognition of his service to the nation and Kattera A. Nanaiah, Retd. Professor and one of the Founder-Members-cum-Advisor of the Association, for environment conservation and his service in many organisations while Mr. & Mrs. Chodumada Appaiah were feted for their social service.
Top scorers in various degree examinations were given cash prizes.
Mundiyolanda Nanda rendered the invocation. Association Secretary Kenjangada Kariappa welcomed. Maletira Ganapathy, Vice-President, proposed a vote of thanks. Codanda Swagath, Joint Secretary and all other Committee Members were present at the programme compered by Kotrangada Shruthy Ashwath.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 14th, 2023
A look into actors Bhuvann Ponnannaa and Harshika Poonacha’s Kodava-style wedding in Coorg
Actors Bhuvann Ponnnannaa and Harshika Poonacha at their wedding in Coorg on August 24(Instagram)
Long-time sweethearts, actors Bhuvann Ponnannaa and Harshika Poonacha , tied the knot on August 24 in a traditional Kodava ceremony in Coorg. Since the big day, the couple has been on the move, shares Ponnannaa. “We are in the USA right now, before which we were in Mexico. We had to rush to the States immediately after our wedding because our friend was getting married. Since the night of our wedding, we have been country-hopping and are yet to complete all the rituals, so our parents are mad at us!” he quips.
Talking about the wedding, Ponnannaa recalls the stress that came with planning out the big day. “We got really held up in the last-moment invites as well, so there was literally no time to plan. Our parents and a couple of our friends took up various responsibilities leading to the big day,” he shares, adding that the completion of the construction of his farmhouse in Coorg also had him stressed. “The interiors of our new apartment in Bengaluru were also being done and I was trying to get our new car delivered before the wedding. Along with that, we were trying to manage our work,” the actor exclaims.
Ask him how it was on the big day itself, and the Randhawa (2019) actor tells us, “I reached Coorg from Bengaluru at 7am. I checked all the venue arrangements and by the time I wanted to get some sleep, the festivities had started. So, I meditated for a bit and left. When I reached the venue and saw the whole place all decked up, like a dream wonderland, it made all the hard work just so worth it.”
Telling us about the traditional Kodava-style wedding, the 33-year-old says, “Kodava weddings are very unique, so we could not plan too many extra functions because there already were a lot of rituals to complete from morning until midnight. But we were very particular about the food — it had to be traditional along with a couple of our favourites, like fresh mango curry in jaggery sauce, mutton keema, ghee ragi dosa, noolputtu and koli curry, Coorg-style liver fry, chicken ghee roast and mutton biryani!”
Looking forward to married life, Ponnannaa says nothing much is expected to change in the couple’s equation. “But of course we will work harder together for ourselves. Harshika is also going to be the producer for my next film,” the actor says, adding they are yet to decide on their honeymoon.
source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Htcity> Cinema / by Aayushi Parekh / September 12th, 2023
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna promises to raise the problems of Ex-Servicemen with State Government
Mysore/Mysuru:
A new War Memorial was recently inaugurated at T. Shettigeri village in South Kodagu by Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister. The purpose of this memorial is to honour the martyrs and pay tribute to the soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
One remarkable aspect of this memorial is that it was funded entirely by the T. Shettigeri Ex-Servicemen Association, which comprises 450 retired soldiers. Erecting a War Memorial had long been a cherished dream of this Association. The Association has also made significant contributions to society, including providing financial assistance to those in need and offering aid during natural disasters.
The marble War Memorial was constructed at a cost of Rs. 5 lakh, with a substantial portion of the construction expenses being generously donated by Kaibulira Parvathi Bopaiah. She contributed Rs. 3 lakh for the memorial in memory of her late husband, a former havildar who settled in T. Shettigeri after his service in the Army.
The day of the War Memorial’s inauguration in T. Shettigeri was marked by a festive atmosphere. The event commenced with performances by the Police Band and Kodava Valaga, followed by full honours rendered by the Police and Ex-Servicemen — in their full attire with medals — to the memorial. Many retired officers and personnel participated in the event, offering their salutes to this significant tribute on the Armed Forces’ land.’
Following the unveiling of the memorial, the guests were welcomed in the traditional Kodava manner by colourfully dressed Kodava women at the T. Shettigeri Kodava Samaja. The stage event was presided over by the Association President Kattera Vishwanath.
During his address, MLA Ponnanna emphasised the crucial role of soldiers in safeguarding the nation. He praised their selfless dedication to the country’s well-being and the preservation of peace and harmony. He underscored the importance of the newly established War Memorial as a significant milestone in commemorating the sacrifices and struggles of these brave soldiers.
In response to the Association’s demand that many retired Ex-Servicemen are often denied benefits by successive governments, including land sanction, MLA Ponnanna pledged to advocate for their rights and raise the issue with the Government.
Appachangada P. Motaiah, the Association’s Joint Secretary, shed light on the challenges faced by most Ex-Servicemen, who often lack support from various quarters. He appealed to MLA Ponnanna to stand in solidarity with retired Defence personnel.
As a gesture of appreciation, several retired Defence personnel, donors and individuals who have made notable contributions to society were felicitated on behalf of the Association.
Among those honoured were Kaibulira Parvathi Bopaiah, Chattangada Punyavathi Chinnappa, Veteran Sergeant, advocate and Honorary Advisor to the T. Shettigeri Ex-Servicemen Association Mandetira N. Subramani, Machchamada Madappa, Uluvangada Ganapathy and Changulanda Ashwini Satish.
Special invitees included Kodagu District Sainik Association President Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bachamanda Cariappa, former Kodagu District Sainik Association Secretary Maj. (Retd.) Odiyanda Chingappa and Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Kuppanda Nanjappa, a Veer Chakra holder, who shared their experiences and daring operations during their service in the Armed Forces.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 10th, 2023
“You are never too old to reinvent yourself”, says Divya Madaiah who has been working as a patisserie for 15 years now. I met Divya at an Instagram live interview on long distance running. The interview was for a sports enthusiast from Maharashtra and Divya messaged me about how she started running at the age of 42!
I was not even half her age but I was inspired by her story. Talking to Divya who is a part of the Jayanagar Jaguars Squad in Bangalore, I knew that she could inspire all the women, housewives or working, especially in Kodagu.
She narrated her story to me, “I took fitness very seriously when my weighing scale showed a whooping 96 kilos in 2019! I had just got my left ovary removed due to dermoid cyst. I was thereby advised not to engage in any physical activity for 6 months. That really hit me hard as I am an over enthusiastic person in life. Resting for 6 months was a great challenge for me. Then I thought of making a few changes in my diet through a certified nutritionist where I learnt the art of quantified nutrition. I watched and weighed what went onto my plate. Gradually, I managed to reduce 10 kilos.”
“I also began weight training and then in February, 2020, I decided to join the Jayanagar Jaguars running academy. I was 42 years old with a mindset to change my lifestyle. Started off in March, weighing 87 kilos, where I struggled to even complete the walk sessions. Then came the lockdown, where everyone in my team felt demotivated, but I never gave up. I followed few workouts regularly, and thanks to the online fitness session called “Fit from Home” from the JJs, I was able to become stronger by day.”
The most important thing was Divya never failed to miss a day’s practice. Waking up in the wee hours and scheduling herself to fitness time at 4:30 am, Divya was prioritising her health along with running two brands, ‘Warriors Wok’ and ‘Batter n’ Beyond’.
“In June, I did my first 10k run and from then on, it’s no stopping for me. Here I am 18 kilos lighter after I started running. Not only did I change my lifestyle, but also maintained an enriching positive attitude.” She has been running even 15 km and recently completed her first half marathon in Airtel Delhi Half Marathon event.
For many, 2020 has been a trying year, full of demotivation and negativity. Here’s what Divya has to say about the year 2020 as she finishes TCS 10 K run strongly with a timing of 58m 34 secs!
“2020 has changed my character to a stronger, more powerful and a healthier version of myself. Times change, things change but only you change it by hard work. I know that there’s a lot more to achieve and a lot more to come.
Losing weight is not an easy battle. There is a lot of negativity circling around and you are surrounded by some people who bring your spirits down. Weight loss is something you do to improve your health.”
It would be surprising to know that Divya battled life’s deadliest health conditions like Hypothyroidism, PCOD, Asthma, Premature Menopause, Dermoid Cyst in the ovary, Cholesterol and Obesity! Her story is not about looking good by reducing weight but to battle all these health conditions and stay fit at 40, stronger at 50!
She remarks with a positive message for this new year, “Lastly don’t give up. We don’t give up on the people we love. So, how can you give up on yourself???” Divya hails from Coorg Arameri, Virajpet and keeps shuttling to Koramangala for work.
source: http://www.medium.com / Medium / Home / by Shrividya Somanna / January 13th, 2021
A land known as the nursery of Indian Hockey, Kodagu (Coorg) in Karnataka State has been a cradle for sports and Army.
However, located down south of Kodagu, Athur village near Gonikoppal town has been a mini nursery for writers! The village is home to four popular writers in English – C.P Belliappa and his sister, Kaveri Nambisan, P.T. Bopanna and his son Devaiah Bopanna.
It does look like Athur village has given birth to these Kodavas with a talent to be ‘pen-tastic’ not just at an amateur level, but at a professional one.
Growing up, I listened to stories of Princess Victoria Gowramma and Narimangala. My childhood days spun into a web of stories from different Kodava writers narrated to me by my mother. Sometimes, with a tale of a tiger’s tail by C.P. Belliappa.
As a teenager, I pondered over P.T Bopanna’s question, “Are Kodavas Hindus?” and sneaked a laugh at (AIB) All India Bakchod’s comic stories whose head writer was Devaiah Bopanna.
Chepudira P. Belliappa or popularly called as C.P Belliappa pursued a career in engineering. However, settling down in Coorg as a planter, he has been promoting technical education in Coorg. He has also penned many articles and is famous for his books, “Victoria Gowramma: The Lost Princess of Coorg”, “Nuggets from Coorg History”, “Tale of a Tiger’s Tail and other Yarns from Coorg.”
His sister, Kaveri Nambisan has a unique style of writing. Her popular books like “The Scent of Pepper” can take you on a ride to Scotland of India, Kodagu with vibes of ethnicity. Her other books like “Mango-Coloured Fish” and “The Hills of Angheri” showcase stories derived from personal experiences. She is a doctor by profession. Kaveri started off as a writer for children’s magazines. She was recognized as the Coorg Person of the Year in 2005.
A leading author and a journalist, Palanganda T. Bopanna has been writing books about Kodavas and Kodagu. He has promoted several websites, including coorgnews.in, dedicated to Kodagu news. Bopanna is a recipient of the Gourmand international award for his book ‘The Romance of Indian Coffee.’
His son, Devaiah Bopanna, has co-founded a media company called ‘All Things Small’ which concentrates on writing true stories by giving a unique, modern touch to journalism. A Mumbai-based writer, Devaiah adds a tinge of comical approach to his writings.
These writers have touched many hearts with their writings. The root to their writing stems from Athur village and it is my dear hope that more writing talents mushroom from the Kodava land.
source: http://www.medium.com / Medium / Home / by Shrividya Somanna / February 05th, 2021
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
