Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A day with pachyderms

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Sports
EXHILARATING Bathing and feeding sessions are the most popular among the activities at Dubare and Sakrebailu elephant camps. PHOTOS BY AUTHOR
EXHILARATING Bathing and feeding sessions are the most popular among the activities at Dubare and Sakrebailu elephant camps. PHOTOS BY AUTHOR

Everyone loves elephants. Whenever we see them, they bring out the child in us, with a craving to touch, photograph and ride on them, and if possible, take a selfie with them.

Elephants also play an important role in some of our religious festivals. We see the sculptures of elephants in heritage places as well. The best places to get close to these awesome pachyderms are Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu and Sakrebailu Elephant Camp in Shivamogga district.

Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare Elephant Camp is located amidst lush green forest, on the picturesque banks of River Cauvery, about 14 km from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. This is a project undertaken by the Karnataka Forest Department and Jungle Lodges and Resorts. There are more than 22 elephants in the camp at present. All of them are tamed and trained, but are allowed to roam free in the forest in the afternoon and night. The elephants return to the camp for their bath and feeding sessions. Here, the visitors can not only observe and learn but also participate in various activities involving elephants through the ‘elephant interaction programme’ arranged by the naturalists of the Forest Department.

Driving down from Kushalnagar, we reach the bank of River Cauvery and have to cross over in small motor boats. The view of the river is breathtaking, with the water flowing gently over rocks and bushy trees hanging over the water’s edge on both sides. The chirping of different birds provides a pleasing background music. It is an open, seamless forest area and the only man-made constructions here are for training and feeding the elephants. Trained naturalists explain the various aspects of elephants like their history, biology, personality and food habits. They also facilitate our intimate interaction with the animals. This camp is said to have been started during the British era for taming and training wild elephants to be used for transportation and in war. Some of the trained elephants from this camp participate in the Mysore Dasara procession and other temple festivals.

The most enjoyable part of our visit was joining the mahouts in bathing the elephants. Every morning, the animals are taken down to the river for their bath, which lasts for an hour. It is a pleasure to see them lying down in the river and splashing water, with their trunks, all the while enjoying their bath. Visitors who are bold enough can roll up their sleeves and pants to give the mammoths a scrub. The bath is followed by an elaborate feeding session, in which we could also lend a hand. We can feed them with balls of ragi, jaggery, sugar cane, banana and coconuts provided by the Forest Department.

Elephant rides are arranged thereafter. It is an hour-long journey around the forest and this makes for a memorable experience. If we are lucky, we can catch a sight of animals like peacocks and Sambar deer during the safari.

There are places to stay near the elephant camp. Additionally, the elephant camp also conducts river rafting in the upper part of River Cauvery. In addition, coracle rides are provided for those who wish to ride the river in a different way and enjoy the blissful wilderness along the way. Boat rides and trekking are also possible for bird lovers as the forest is home to a variety of birds, which can often be seen flying across the river.

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp

Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is located about 14 km from Shivamogga town on the Thirthahalli road. This is also run by the Karnataka Forest Department for training wild elephants. Set amidst thick forest on the bank of River Tunga, this ecotourism centre attracts wildlife enthusiasts and tourists in large numbers. Here, also the elephants are taken to the river every morning for their elaborate bathing session.

Visitors are allowed to help in the bathing and feeding sessions. It is a pleasure to watch the giant animals enjoying themselves in the river. After feeding, all the animals are left free to roam in the forest. This an ideal place to enjoy a day out with the elephants.

Elephant rides and trekking are also allowed in this camp. An aane utsava is also held at the camp in the month of October.

Both the camps are open to the public throughout the year. When the waters of River Cauvery become very rough during the time of peak monsoon, the Dubare Elephant Camp closes down the route through the river for the public as it is not safe for people to go across in small boats. However, it can also be reached via road. But for obvious reasons, the bathing sessions are not held during rainy days.

Dubare Elephant Camp is open to the public from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm on all days. On the other hand, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is open only in the morning, between 8.30 am and 11.00 am, on all days. September to June is the best time to visit as the elephants love to spend more time in the river when it is not raining and when the weather is humid and hot.

It is suffice to say that Dubare and Sakrebailu are a must visit locales for nature enthusiasts and those who love to have intimate encounters with the elephants.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by K Karunakaran / October 17th, 2017

Holy spring at Talacauvery today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Talacauvery is getting ready for annual theerthodbhava of river Cauvery on Tuesday. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event. As part of the theerthodbhava, several religious rituals were conducted on Monday. DC Richard Vincent D'souza, SP Rajendra Prasad and other officers visited the Talacauvery on Monday and reviewed the preparations.
Talacauvery is getting ready for annual theerthodbhava of river Cauvery on Tuesday. The district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event. As part of the theerthodbhava, several religious rituals were conducted on Monday.
DC Richard Vincent D’souza, SP Rajendra Prasad and other officers visited the Talacauvery on Monday and reviewed the preparations.

Madikeri:

The excitement in the air is palpable at Talacauvery, which is preparing for the Theerthodbhava of River Cauvery, an annual festival all set to take place at 12.33pm on Tuesday.

Popular lore holds that the river, considered the lifeline of Karnataka, gushes out of the ‘Kundike’ or spring at the auspicious Thula Sankramana hour, which occurs once a year.

With devotees expected to pour into Talacauvery from various parts of the state, besides Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the district administration has made elaborate security arrangements. Kodagu deputy commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza reviewed the security arrangements along with superintendent of police (SP) Rajendra Prasad and MLA KG Bopaiah, reviewed the arrangements made for the annual fete.

“Police have made adequate arrangements for parking at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala. Only vehicles with the valid pass will be allowed travel from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery,” said SP Prasad.

Prasad added that KSRTC would be running as many as 30 additional buses during the event. “Arrangements have also been made to ensure devotees are provided food and drinking water. Temporary toilets have been set up at several places,” he added.

The senior cop said that 600 constables, three DSPs, six inspectors, 50 sub-inspectors and 150 NCC cadets were deployed for security.

“Vehicular movement will be monitored at 10 different locations,” he said.

Police officials said that closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been installed at several locations to keep a watch on the celebrations. “Moreover, one-way system has been put in place on arterial roads to avoid congestion. Sale of liquor has been prohibited within a 10 kilometre radius. Since Deepavali is also being celebrated, district administration is expecting more people this year,” said a cop.

A series of cultural programmes have been organised as part of the event.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mysore News / TNN / October 17th, 2017

Ganesh’s Chamak aims for Christmas release

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg
Ganesh and Rashmika Mandanna in Chamak
Ganesh and Rashmika Mandanna in Chamak

Ganesh and Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Chamak, directed by Suni, is nearly done with shoot for just one fight sequence left. Meanwhile, the team has just returned from north Karnataka, after shooting for a song.

Suni tells City Express, “It was for a romantic track, but what is exciting is that we got to shoot at unexplored locations, which we spotted around the coastal belt of Karwar.” The director shares photos from the location with us, and adds, “This speciality of this song is that Ganesh does scuba diving in it and the location is Tilmati, on the black beach during monsoons and along the mango grove”.

The lyrics written by Arjun Louis has been sung by Supriya Lohit and Abhinandan.

Suni is targetting a Christmas release and is working towards it. The romcom, which has Ganesh playing a gynecologist for the first time.The film is produced by T R Chandrashekar and has music by Judah Sandy and cinematography by Santhosh Rai Pathaje.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / October 11th, 2017

Stage set for Cauvery Theerthodhbhava today

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

It will occur at around 12.35 p.m.

All roads will lead to Talacauvery where the Cauvery Theerthodhbava has been scheduled for Tuesday.

A large number of devotees from the State and outside the State are expected to gather at the hill temple in Kodagu district to witness the event, which is slated around 12.35 p.m.

With the Theerthodbhava happening in the afternoon this year, devotees are expected to turn out in big numbers and the Kodagu district administration has accordingly made arrangements. The road to Talacauvery has been repaired and Deputy Commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza has reviewed the preparations for the event.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – October 17th, 2017

All set for Cauvery Theerthodbhava

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The district administration is all set for Cauvery Theerthodbhava, scheduled to be held at 12.33 pm on October 17.

The festive spirit has already engulfed Bhagamandala and Talacauvery with a large number of devotees visiting Bhagandeshwara Temple and taking a dip in Triveni Sangama. Some organisations have taken up the work on cleaning the surroundings of the temple andthe banks of the river. The work on filling potholes is in progress.

As Theerthodbhava will take place in the afternoon, a large number of devotees are expected to take part. Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga has made arrangement for the supply of meals for the visiting devotees. Rice, jaggery, oil, coconuts, and vegetables will arrive from Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts for the purpose.

Last year, there was a drastic decline in the number of devotees who visited Theerthodbhava, following violence over sharing of river Cauvery water. This year, the situation is back to normal and the state too has received bountiful rainfall too. As a result, a large number of devotees from Tamil Nadu and Kerala are likely to take part.

Further, Kodi family have made all preparations for the rituals. Traditional rituals will be held prior to Theerthodbhava on Sunday and Monday. Goddess Cauvery’s idol will be decked up with gold ornaments.

Normally, ‘Theertha’ (holy water) from Brahma Kundike is transported in vehicles. However, Talacauvery Moola Swaroopa Rakshana Vedike has opposed the move to transport the Theertha in vehicles.

Liquor sale banned

To maintain law and order, the district administration banned the sale of liquor from midnight of October 15 to 10 am on October 18, within 10 km radius of Bhagamandala gram panchayat jurisdiction.

Changes in traffic rules

To facilitate the movement of vehicles, the district administration has made minor changes in the traffic movement and has introduced one-way traffic on several roads from 6 am till 6 pm on October 17.

All the vehicles from Madikeri to Bhagamandala should pass through Thalathmane-Udothmotte-Appangala-Bhagamandala. All the vehicles from Bhagamandala to Madikeri should pass through Appangala-Panya-Katakeri.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Aditya K A, Madikeri / DH News Service / October 14th, 2017

Punjabi dance ballad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

NehaBhasinKF15oct2017

After raking in appreciation for her song Jag Ghoomeya in Sultan , Neha Bhasin returns with a Punjabi folk single called Belihaziya .

Neha wanted a single that’s completely different from her previous singles and made it edgy and modern. The video was shot in Coorg and has a burst of colours to depict the altered state of mind of the one with a broken heart.

The song marks a collaboration of Neha, composer Sameer Uddin and London Thumakda lyricist Anvita Dutt.

Says Neha, “ Belihaziya is a dance ballad with meaningful lyrics. The video is dream come true. It’s an electro-pop dance ballad. The underwater shots were tricky as it was raining heavily in Coorg and the water was blurry. But I am always up for a challenge. I’m really happy with how it’s turned it out.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> New Delhi / October 14th, 2017

Birders on the move

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

It is said that in order to see birds, it is necessary to become a part of the silence. But the silence these days is deafening. The avian population is leaving the city in droves and so are the birdwatchers, who are running off to the outskirts in search of the now-elusive chirps.

“I usually head to the outskirts of the city now, to areas like Nandi Hills, Kanakapura Road, Tumkur Road, Sarjapur and so on,” says Sudhir Shivaram, director and founder of ‘Sudhir Shivaram Photography’ and an avid bird watcher for the last 15 years. “Any area which is a good habitat for birds and has limited human activity is a good option for bird watching. And such areas are only on the city’s outskirts now.”

There are plenty of reasons why the feathered community is giving the city a miss. “The decline of water bodies and their beautification is a big reason. The bunds on the lakesides are making way for stones and concrete for aesthetic appeal but this is not favourable for birds,” points out Sudhir.

Bopanna Pattada DP
Bopanna Pattada DP

“Apart from biological factors, like crows and pigeons edging out other species that feed on grains, external reasons like use of kite ‘manja’ and pigeon netting as well as an increase in the domestic cat population, has resulted in a decrease in the bird population in the city,” lists out Bopanna Pattada, who heads ‘Bangalore Birding Adventures’.

Like everyone else, he also prefers to head out of the city for bird-watching expeditions now and says places like Bannerghatta National Park and Rishi Valley School are good options. “So is Hoskote Lake which has regained its water level in the last 5-6 years and now attracts a wide variety of birds.”

But while enthusiastic birders and photographers don’t mind going the extra mile, the growing crowds around avian havens are becoming a cause for concern for many. “Even places like Nandi Hills are seeing huge crowds now. There is a lot of noise and garbage and thus the previously large numbers of birds is coming down,” says Punith Suvarna, a data analyst and bird photographer.

“A lot of offroading is happening now and vehicles are going very close to water bodies and green areas. We need to give birds some space. So intense is the desire and competition for unique clicks, that people are resorting to means like destroying the nests so that others can’t get the same shots,” he adds.

The birds are on their way out. Pretty soon we will only be left with their pictures on social media then.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> MetroLife / by Rajitha Menon, DH News Service / October 05th, 2017

Kodagu gears up for Cauvery Theerthodbhava fete

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The elected representatives directed the officials to make necessary arrangements for Cauvery Theerthodbhava, scheduled to be held on October 17, at Talacauvery.

Speaking at a meeting convened to discuss preparations for the annual programme on Saturday, MLA K G Bopaiah said that the Theerthodbhava will occur at 12.33 pm.

He said a large number of devotees are likely to attend it. Hence, additional bus facility should be made. The pothole-filled road from Madikeri to Talacauvery should be repaired. Also, suitable arrangements should be made for the parking of vehicles. The district administration should ensure that no inconvenience is met by the devotees, he added.

Bopaiah said temporary toilets should be constructed. Arrangements should be made for the supply of drinking water too, he added.

Congress leader Biddatanda S Thammaiah said that a bridge near Thavoor on Madikeri-Bhagamandala has collapsed a few years ago and it has not been repaired so far.

Hosooru Ramesh Joyappa said the density of vehicles to Talacauvery and Bhagamandala is on the rise. There is a need to check the density of vehicles, he added.

Pushkara ritual

Some people in the meeting opposed Pushkara ritual at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala stating that it is against the sanctity of the place.

MLA K G Bopaiah, MLC Sunil Subramani and Veena Achaiah questioned the ritual, where the Theertha kundike is made impure by taking bath.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service, Madikeri / October 07th, 2017

An ode to local heritage

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion
Standing tall: Government Archaeology Museum in Madikeri.
Standing tall: Government Archaeology Museum in Madikeri.

Two doormen, embellished with silver jewellery and adorning red dhotis welcome visitors while standing guard at the entrance of the Government Archaeology Museum in Madikeri. The museum has been set-up inside a 150-year-old intrinsic church, which is located at the southeast entrance of Madikeri Fort. With Roman Gothic architecture, the 19th century church invites the art connoisseurs into the world of forepassed artefacts. As one crosses the glass-painted windows, sky-reaching arch, limestoned blue walls, and the dwarapalakas at the entrance, one is introduced to Kubera, the Lord of Wealth, revived from the ruins of a temple in Bettageri.

Artefacts from every era

While statues of folk deities stand firm on wooden stands, two horns pop out from behind the 18th century Ganesha statue. And they are the horns of a 1922 aurochs, which is now preserved to perfection. Adjacent to the aurochs stands a stuffed life-size leopard, “given to the museum by Mysore Archaeological Society,” explains, Renuka, the curator.

Inscriptions from the Ganga dynasty, seals from the Lingayat kingdom of Haleri, statues of Jain tirthankaras, 3D paintings of the kings and queens of Kodagu, terracotta and brass kitchenware from 12 century, and beautiful lintel that has been carved from limestone are a few objects that decorate the inner linings of the museum. However, it is the cultural folk deities and the traditional weapons that steal the show here. “People want to see and learn more about the uniqueness of the culture of Kodagu. And they ask for cultural, tale-telling artefacts of the district,” explains Renuka.

The 18th century swords and daggers from the historical reminiscence of British rule are arranged neatly in a glass case. “The collection also includes the swords used by King Veera Rajendra,” she explains. The cult weapons — odi kathi, peechakathi — synonymous with dagger and sheath knives, tell the tales of the warrior clans of Kodagu. There is also a section of armouries that bring light to the heroic deeds of Kodavas in the army. One of the highlights among these armouries is a heavy bronze cannon of the 17th century.

The Kodavas also hold special reverence to cult deities that were worshipped in the then extensive, now diminishing, devara kadus or the sacred groves. And the museum is home for many such cult deities revived from 11th and 12th century. Naga idols, masks of boar headed folk gods, idols of the Sun God, Goddess Kali, Shiva-Parvathi idol and Uma Maheshwari idol are just a few to mention among the immense bronze idol collection.

“Most of them are harake shilpas (ex-voto offerings), which were recovered from the ruins of many temples, and some gifted by the temples for preservation,” she confirms. The museum sheds light on the Jain heritage in the region too. Stone and pot inscriptions and intricately carved statues of Jain tirthankaras — they take one back to between the 11th and 14th century, when the Kongalvas (subordinates of Cholas) were the prominent rulers in the district.

There is also a section in the museum dedicated to Field Marshall KM Cariappa, who donated many worthy artefacts of the past. While an ornamental chair of the Field Marshall sits at the centre of this section, it is surrounded by various mementos won by him and a few other age-old statues collected by him as an art connoisseur. “They have been exhibited in the gallery in memory of his parents,” Renuka explains.

The art of preserving

While the staff of the museum is actively involved in reviving historical artefacts, they have also faced hurdles in preserving some historical objects. Renuka explains, “We make sure that none of the ruins of historical idols are immersed in the rivers and immediately fall into action in collecting them. However, sometimes the beliefs of people work against our actions. One such incident took place in Bhagamandala, where the locals refused to hand over the ruins of elephant sculptures in the area due to religious beliefs. However, learning its importance, they are now preserving the sculptures.” Renuka, as a curator of this museum, has revived over 250 artefacts; the recent one being the painting of King Chikka Veera Rajendra, the last ruler of the kingdom of Kodagu.

A State-funded museum, the museum attracts a lot tourists during the weekends who also tour the historic fort located in the area. “We are looking at further improving the museum by including a detailed story of the heritage value and revival process of these historical objects,” concludes Renuka. The museum is open to visitors from 09.00 am to 5.00 pm except on Mondays and general holidays.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by Prajna G R / October 03rd, 2017

Dasara mantaps ready for the show, but rain may play spoilsport

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri:

With hardly two days left for the Madikeri Dasara celebrations, the untimely rain could play havoc with the preparation. Mantap celebrations are on with 10 temple committees engaged in giving decorating mantaps with flowers and glowing lights. Committee members are worried that rain could hinder the preparation of figures and fixing of lights.

Each mantap is prepared at a minimum cost of Rs 10lakh, and a maximum of Rs 25lakh, depending on the enthusiasm to compete for the three prizes — Devendra garva bhanga by Dechuru Ramamandira, Ananthpadmanbha Darshana by Pete Rama Mandira, Narakasura Vadhe by Kundurumotte, Hiranyaksha Vadhe by Kote Mariamma, Lalithambika killing Bhandasura by Chawdeshwari, Bhoodevi killing Narakasura by Karavale Bhagavathi, Chamundeshwari killing Mahishasura by Dandina Mariamma, Vinayaka killing Thalasura by Kote Ganapathi, Kolluru Mookambika killing Mookasura by Kodandarama, and Ramanjaneya killing Ravanasura by Kanchi Kamakshi are the 10 mantaps getting prepared to enthral thousands of enthusiasts.

The procession of the figures will be exhibited at three shows during the Shobha Yatra in the town on Dasara night, with one show exclusively for the judges. The show will take a minimum of 20 minutes climaxing in a fight between gods, goddesses and demons, ultimately ending in the killing of demons with audio effects, conversations, glowing lights etc.

The Dasara committee will distribute Rs 2lakh each for mantaps and Rs 1lakh each for karagas out of the government-sanctioned amount of Rs 50lakh for Madikeri Dasara. With Rs 20lakh collected by donors the total budget is Rs 70lakh, Dasara committee and city municipal council president Kaveramma Somanna said.

For Ayudha Puja, decoration competitions for various type of vehicles will be organized. Decoration contests for shops and establishments are already announced. Cultural programmes, which started on September 22, will end on Friday evening and a night orchestra will play through Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / Times News Network / September 29th, 2017