Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

From pepper-loaded curries to aromatic coffee: Coorg is the land of unique and versatile flavours

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

One of the most revered and aromatic coffees in the world is found in this region.

Cut off from their neighbours for centuries and endowed with nature’s goodies, the Kodava kitchen is unique and versatile.

Some random, innocent question by my comicscrazy young one started this whole thing.

Where do you think Obelix would like to go if he visits India? Well based on his rustic taste buds and love of wild boar, I believe he will love Nagaland but if he goes down South I definitely know where to put him.

Today extremely popular among the tourists, a small Kodagu (Coorg) district is gifted with nature’s bounty of indigenous spices, fruits, wild fowl and wild pigs.

Some believe that the Kodavas entered India during the Mohenjo Daro period. Others believe that they were descendants of the army of Alexender the Great who entered India in 326 BC. With their unique geographical position in the Kodaga hills and forests and fierce warrior qualities they were independent and cut off from their naighbours for a long time. This helped them develop a cuisine very unique and versatile. Coorgis emphasize on less oil and slow cooking with a lot of usage of pepper, garlic and ginger. They prefer using green chillies than the red chillies. – Reetu Uday Kugaji, chef and Culinary Expert

When the British came in 1834, they immediately were impressed with the dense forest and lush valleys and hence the highland got the title ‘Scotland of India’.

Fancy a wild boar hunt and then some flavourful coffee, Robert?

One of the most revered and aromatic coffees in the world is found in this region. Coffee reached Coorg with the advent of islamic traders and flourished here in no time. The Amitabh Bachchan of the Coorg kitchen is definitely the tangy, spicy Pandi Curry. Originally it used to be made with hunted wild boar but today farm bred porkers are used to cook Pandi curry. The slow cooked succulent spicy and tangy curry is prepared with pork cubes with fat . A souring agent called Kachampuli (vinegar made from the extract of a fruit called Garcinia Gummi Gutta) brings in a beautiful tangy taste in the dish.

Pandi curry

1 Pork cubes with fat arerubbed with little red chilli powder, salt & turmeric.
2 Put in heated pan with paste made of golden brown fried onion, ginger, garlic, chopped cilantro spiced with green chillies with the aromatic freshly roasted hand-pounded Coorg spices.
3 The Coorg masala / Coorg spice-mix consists of coriander seeds,cumin seeds, black peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, cloves, whole chilles, curry leaves and a little raw rice.
4 Once the pork is tender Kachumpuli (Coorgi vinegar) is added.
5 Add water as per the desired consistency. Then salt to taste and a garnish of fresh cilantro and the dish is ready.

No additional oil is required as the pork cooks in its own fat.

Kodavas love rice. Fragrant rice called Sannaki is very popular. Rice is consumed in various forms and shapes. These range from Akki roti which are rice chapatis, to a variety of puttus (steamed rice dishes ) to pulaus.

Akki Roti: – Akki is rice in Kannada. Akki roti is flat breads prepared with rice flour. The popular breakfast dish is often enjoyed with Ellu Pajji (Sesame seeds chutney).

Kadambuttu or steamed rice dumplings: Soft steamed balls made with rice flour and often enjoyed with Pandi Curry or Koli saaru or chicken curry. Baimbale Kari or the Bamboo Shoot curry is an extremely popular dish. Fresh young bamboo shoots are collected in the beginning of monsoons when they are tender, delicate and fresh so that they does not harden. The young shoots are fermented and then cooked in a scrumptious coconut curry with an addition of tamarind pulp.

Kaad Maange curry is made from wild jungle mangoes that have a unique peppery-tart flavour unlike the regular sweet mangoes. Few other popular curries are Chekke curry (prepared with raw jackfruit, Kemb curry(made from the colocasia plant), or the Kumm curry made from wild mushrooms.

Nool puttu: Noodle-like steamed rice dish is extremely popular as a brilliant breakfast dish.

Kulae Puttu is a jackfruit cake cooked with steam wrapped in banana skin.

And at the end people have a little liquor or Soma (Kudi). These are usually homemade wines prepared from locally grown fruits such as oranges, grapes, betel nuts and paddy are very famous (hik!).

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> Business News> Magazines> Panache / by Anirban Bora, ET Bureau / May 18th, 2019

Two-day DC interview on Madikeri AIR

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy will be interviewed on All India Radio, Madikeri, on May 17.

The deputy commissioner will speak on the relief measures, compensation and future projects being planned by the district administration.

The programme will be broadcast on May 17 (8.35 am and 5.30 pm) and May 18 (1.30 pm and 6.50 pm), a press release stated.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service, Madikeri / May 17th, 2019

Farewell To Parish Priest Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour Church

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

RevRaymondKF16may2019

Mysuru:

A warm farewell will be accorded to Rev. Fr. Raymond, Parish Priest, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Mysuru, who has been transferred to St. Anthony’s Church in Ammathi, Kodagu, at a function to be held at the Church premises in Srirampura on May 19 (Sunday). The Mass will be at 8.30 am followed by send-off.

Born in 1976 at Dornahalli, Fr. Raymond was Ordained as Priest on Apr.25, 2006. He has served as an Assistant Parish Priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Martalli and as Parish Priest at St. Joseph’s Church, Otterthotti.

As the works on Srirampura Church was completed during his tenure, credit should go to Fr. Raymond for his hard work and the support of Parishners and generous donors. The well-equipped Church was inaugurated on June 26, 2016. He will take charge at St. Anthony’s Church in Ammathi on June 2 in place of Rev. Fr. D. Jayaraj.

Rev. Fr. M. Vincent (retd. Principal of St. Philomena’s College, Mysuru) will be the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church from May 26.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 16th, 2019

Bollinamme fest on June 8

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

‘Bollinamme’ programme to mark the silver jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, will be held at Cauvery College in Gonikoppa on June 8, said Academy president Pemmanda K Ponnappa.

Speaking during the launch of the Bollinamme logo at the Academy’s office in Madikeri, he said that for the last 25 years, the Academy had been doing a commendable job in preserving the language, literature, history and culture of the Kodava community with the help of the government grants.

He said that the Academy was holding programmes within and outside the district focused on the Kodava tradition, folklore, culture, theatre.

“The Academy has been successful in publishing books and CDs. An effort is being made to document the life of a Kodava from birth to death,” he added.

Fest attractions

Stating that Bollinamme would feature cultural, literary programmes and a procession, Ponnappa added that a photo exhibition and documentary screening (on Kodava culture) would be some of the attractions of the fest.

“Kodava antiquities will be displayed. Kodava cuisine and Kodava books will be on sale,” he added.

The programme would be inaugurated with a procession at 9 am. It will be followed by a meeting at 10.30 am.

Cultural programs such as Umathaat, Bolakaat, Kathiaat, Duddikott, Kolaat, Urtikott, Talipaat, Kappekalli will be performed by artistes.

It will be followed by a special performance by Kodava theatre artists in the evening at 5 pm, he said.

A poetry meet is scheduled at 11 am. The valedictory ceremony will be held at 2 pm, he added.

The publicity committee members are Naliyamanda K Umesh, Itichandanda Ramesh Uthappa, Beekachanda Beliappa, the stage committee members are Hanchetira Manu Mudappa, Shorerea Mudaiah and Mannakamane Balakrishna.

Hospitality and transport committee members constitute of Mannakkemane Balkrishna.

Procession committee member is Bollajira B Ayiappa, reception committee members are Angira Kusum, Aminchanda Praveen Chengappa and Hanchetira Fancy Muthanna.

Ajjamada P Kushalappa, Sullimada Bhavani Kaveriappa, Changulanda P Suraj and Kudiyara Sharada are part of the cultural committee.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri / May 14th, 2019

‘Yashaswi spices’ now on wheels

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All
A model of the mobile shop for 'Yashaswi' products.
A model of the mobile shop for ‘Yashaswi’ products.

The ‘Yashaswi’ enterprise initiated under ‘Project Coorg’ programme of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has been quite successful, and from Sunday, the Yashaswi brand spices will be marketed on wheels.

The scheme was started to provide support to women victims from Kaluru village in Kodagu, who were affected by flash-floods and landslides.

Project Coorg Head Balaji Kashyap said that a well-equipped van has been sponsored by the Kodava Koota based in North America, exclusively for the sale of spices. The mobile spices shop will move across Kodagu district.

The spices prepared and packed by the victims are being marketed at the stalls in Raja Seat premises and the Child Welfare Committee in Madikeri, as well. Apart from spices, there are coffee and honey under the same brand name.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – May 12th, 2019

Second phase of study on Kodava genealogy begins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion

The second phase of the study on Kodava Genealogy began on May 1, said Codava National Council President Nandineravanda U Nachappa.

Addressing reporters in Madikeri on Friday, he said that the features of Kodava community are being studied. The objective of the study is to provide statutory protection to the Kodavas.

The study is being done under the supervision of the Central and the state governments, he said.

The study in the second phase includes the subjects of ‘Devanele’, traditional healing methods in Kodagu, tribes, folk sports, agriculture, Kodava almanac, festivals, ‘Oor mand’, ‘Nadmand kol’, ‘Manepatt’, ‘Kail poldh’ and ‘Kaveri Changradi’.

Nachappa added that the study of the social, educational and financial conditions of Kodavas was carried out in the first phase.

CNC office-bearers Pullera Kalappa, Chambanda Janat and Kandera Suresh were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / DH News Service / May 03rd, 2019

Amar’s Kodagu connection

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Abhishek and Tanya Hope, Rachita Ram and Nirup Bhandari— will make a special appearance in this song.
AmarKF11may2019

Abhishek’s debut project, Amar, has been creating a buzz with its audio track. While the team in association with Anand Audio has released three songs – Marethu Hoyithe, Heege and Onde Aetige — which have hit the chartbusters, the fourth song is also likely to create a sensation since it will be in Kodava language.

This song, Joruu paattu aata adaadana peggaru mele peggu haakana, sung by director and singer Jessie Gift with lyrics by Kiran Kaverappa and music composed by Arjun Janya, will release in the coming days. It is supposedly a delightful track dedicated to Kodavas, and features Darshan, who plays a pivotal role in the film. He, along with the lead pairs —

Abhishek and Tanya Hope, Rachita Ram and Nirup Bhandari— will make a special appearance in this song.

Abhishek’s first film, directed by Nagshekar with DOP by Satya Hegde, will have many specials. The romantic drama, made under Sandesh Productions, has been shot in a record number of locations. Set against a biking backdrop, the film’s second half is mostly shot in picturesque Switzerland. A song and a few scenes are shot in Malaysia. Having got a U/A certification, the film will hit theatres on May 31.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / May 08th, 2019

Aviva Bidapa brings her swimwear brand to India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, World Opinion

AvivaBidappa01KF09may2019

The collection aims to bridge the gap between mass and designer brands

Fashion was the last thing on Aviva Bidapa’s mind when she was growing up. Her outfit of choice was breeches, boots and a white shirt — she was an equestrian. It was only when she was 16-years-old that she discovered brands and appreciated details such as stitch and craftsmanship.

The 28-year-old designer, daughter of fashion guru Prasad Bidapa, recently launched Aviva Swimwear in India, at an event in Bengaluru. The brand was earlier launched in Colombo in 2016.

AvivaBidappa02KF09may2019

Talking about her passion for designing swimwear, while sipping on watermelon juice at Café Noir, UB City, Aviva says: “A few years ago, I was in Colombo on work and took a day trip to the Linea Aqua factory, which manufactures swimsuits. I was fascinated by how they create the silhouette and the fit.

“My father later suggested we create a swimwear line. As a test, I created a line that was white with red roses. I love business and I love being creative so I thought why not put the two together and create a brand.”

The swimsuits are manufactured by Linea Aqua. “First, I design the silhouette and the cut, then zero in on a story in the print and what I want that season to be. And, of course, I keep in mind my creativity and what’s in fashion.”

________________________________________

The 70s and a koi pond

– Two stories were showcased at the India launch of Aviva Swimwear.

– Aviva says: “I wanted to do a line that was inspired by the 70s. I
didn’t want to do polka dots so I did deconstructed polka dots. I
had black on white and white on black and solids in bright red.

– “For the second story, inspiration struck while I was staying at a
hotel in Sri Lanka that had a koi pond. The solids are a yellow
with a bit of orange in it as the carp has elements of orange.

– There are 13 styles, including a one-piece with a halter neck and
a high-waisted two-piece with balcony-style cups.

_________________________________________

As any woman on the hunt for a swimsuit in India knows, the options are limited. “Many brands don’t make them for the Indian body type: we are heavier on the hips and bust and we tend to have smaller waists. So, it becomes hard for an Indian woman because if the bottom fits her, the top won’t and vice-versa,” she shares.

This is where Aviva Swimwear comes in. The brand also aims to bridge the gap between mass brands such as Marks and Spencer and designer brands like Shivan and Narresh.

“My swimsuits are a mix of usability and couture. The other important thing to know is that I have incorporated quality. As long as you hand wash them in cold water, they will last.”

AvivaBidappa03KF09may2019

There are some things to keep in mind while buying a swimsuit though. “The first thing you should ask yourself is how do you feel in it? The second thing is the sizing. It is very important to know your size and your fit. You should know what your body looks good in and shop in that realm, ” says Aviva.

She reveals she had certain insecurities growing up because of her weight, which fluctuated. “But, I know how clothes make me feel and how swimsuits make me feel. Ultimately, that is what creates confidence. How you feel you look and not what somebody else tells you. So, I kept that in mind. I want girls to be confident. You don’t need to be shy and cover up. I want to make swimsuits that make you feel good.”

AvivaBidappa04KF09may2019

The swimsuits, priced between ₹3,500 and ₹6,500, will be available at the Millennial Mode Label store opening shortly. In the meantime, DM the store or Aviva Swimwear on Instagram to place orders.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style> Fashion / by Aparna Narrain / May 09th, 2019

159th Book Of Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota Out

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

KodavaThakk159thBookKF06may2019

Mysuru:

Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota is relentlessly striving to include Kodava language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and to accord linguistic minority status to Kodava community, said Chattangada Ravi Subbaiah, President of Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota.

He was addressing the gathering at a book release event and the logo launch event to mark the silver jubilee of Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota at Mysuru Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar recently. The event was jointly organised by Mysuru Kodava Samaja, Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota and Lopamudra Kodava Association.

The Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota has been promoting Kodava language and literature since 1994 and has brought out many publications that have become popular.

“In order to encourage writing in Kodava language, the Yelthkarada Koota, in 2000 came out with ‘Popular Kodava Literature Series’ and so far, it has brought out 157 books. The 158th and 159th books are being released now,” he said.

The 158th book is titled “Bollira Cup” written by Pemmanda Meera Biddappa and sponsored by Ajjamada Shankaru Nachappa. This book was released by retired vice chancellor Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa while the 159th book “Pookola” was released by sponsor Vallanda Prashanth Ponnanna. The book has been written by Jammada Babitha Poovanna.

Prof. Belliappa lauded the efforts of Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota in not depending on government funds and doing yeomen service to the community with the funds donated by philanthropists. He announced that he will donate Rs. 10,000 to the organisation.

President of Lopamudra Kodava Association Machchamada K. Devaiah, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah, Secretary Malachira Ponnappa, Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota Directors Kalimada Motaiah, Bojjangada Nithin Nanjappa, Secretary Ammanichanda Praveen Chengappa and others were present.

On the same occasion, silver jubilee logo of Kodava Thakk Yelthkarada Koota was released. The silver jubilee celebrations will be held in December this year.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 06th, 2019

Youth Urged To Join Armed Forces

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

BookKF04may2019

Madikeri:

Several former Army Officers have called upon the youths to join the Army in higher numbers.

Speaking after releasing the English book titled ‘The Major who kept his cool’ brought out by Codava Makkada Coota at a programme organised at Kodagu Press Club in Madikeri on Sunday, Air Marshal Kodandera C. Nanda Cariappa PVSM, VM, said that many Kodavas have served the Army’s higher position, thus bringing laurels to Kodagu district and it is important that the youth continue with the tradition.

Lauding the services and discipline of Lt. Col. Puttichanda S. Ganapathi MVC, he said that the book explaining the heroics of Lt. Col. P.S. Ganapathi was most welcome. Highlighting the role of Lt. Col. Ganapathi in Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), K.C. Nanda Cariappa said that Lt. Col. Ganapathi very much deserved ‘Maha Vir Chakra’ for his distinguished service to the Army.

He complimented the book author Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa for throwing light on the life and personality of Lt. Col. Ganapathi.

Lt. Gen. Dr. BNBM Prasad SM, in his address, said that military officers from Kodagu have earned a special name in the Army and this tribe must continue, for which more and more youths from Kodagu should join the Armed forces.

Pointing out that Kodavas invoke Mother Cauvery and nature, Dr. Prasad stressed on the need for saving Kodava Culture for future generations.

Lauding the courage, discipline and leadership qualities among Kodavas, he said these extraordinary qualities have played a vital role in Kodavas excellence in the Armed forces.

Maj. Gen. Bachamanda A. Kariappa, President, Kodagu (Coorg) Ex-servicemen Personnel Association, said that those who join the Army should aim at occupying higher positions in their careers. Alleging that some politicians were making derogatory remarks against Soldiers, Kariappa condemned Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s recent purported remarks on rural youths joining the Armed forces. He also accused the State Government of failing to allot lands to Ex-servicemen.

Complimenting the functioning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that the book would be an inspiration for the youths to join the Army.

Col. Kandrathanda C. Subbayya VSM, President, Field Marshal Cariappa General Thimmayya Forum, said that it was necessary to bring out more books on Armymen as it would motivate the youths to guard the nation at the country’s borders.

‘Maha Vir Chakra’ awardee Lt. Col. Ganapathi, in his address, regretted that the locals had failed to utilise Army opportunities though a Sainik School was established in Kodagu district.

Stating that the parents were hesitant to send their children to Sainik School for want of appropriate facilities, he pointed out that the eagerness to learn in Sainik School was more important than the facilities available there.

Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, President, Kodagu Press Club, in his address, regretted the politics being played over Servicemen now a days.

Pointing out that Patriotism and Nationalism have become important factors in the ongoing Lok Sabha Polls, Ramesh expressed concern about ‘Vote Bank’ politics being played by political parties involving the valour of Armymen.

Emphasising on the need for making the valour of heroic Armymen wretched in the minds of the people forever, he observed that it was essential to record the achievements of every soldier in the form of a book.

The book author Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa said that this was his fifth work and expressed the hope that the achievements of Lt. Col. Ganapathi explained lucidly in the book would be an inspiration for the present day youth and the generations to come.

‘The Major who kept his cool’ is the 25th publication brought out by Codava Makkada Coota. Lt. Col. P.S. Ganapathi and the book author Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa were felicitated on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 02nd, 2019