Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

A Group Of Young Homegrown Chefs Are Elevating & Shining A Spotlight On Coorg Cuisine

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , ,
A Group Of Young Homegrown Chefs Are Elevating & Shining A Spotlight On Coorg Cuisine

The versatility of Indian cuisine continues to impress food enthusiasts who seek rich flavours and manage to find a range of varying flavour palettes in a single country. However, some regional cuisines are often overlooked due to the appeal of other famously adored dishes. One of them is Coorg cuisine, which has been influenced and shaped by the history, geography and culture of the people of the region. Many young chefs from Coorg are now mastering their own family recipes and sharing them with millions on social media. Here are a few homegrown chefs on our radar who are elevating and shining a spotlight on Coorg cuisine.

1. Anjali Ganapathi

A home chef who has been sharing the authentic recipes behind traditional Coorg cuisines, Anjali Ganapathi runs a small, niche catering company called Pig Out with her core team. She has always had an inclination towards exploring her roots and since a very young age learnt the art of cooking some wonderfully complex dishes. The chef presently shares her wisdom with many through her online recipes and also organises events at cooking studios and other places across the city. The customer base extends beyond native Coorgi people as Chef Anjali wishes to introduce the regional cuisine to different communities around India.  

Find them here.

2. Curly Sue Pork

Pork dishes are easily the star of Coorg cuisine, especially if cooked in the traditional way using family recipes. The Curly Sue takeaway joint and blog is perfecting the method of these recipes and making them more accessible to everyone. They source the meat from farmers who own their own farms and use a delightfully indulgent process of slow cooking the meat for four to eight hours. The most delectable meat needs to be given its due and the chefs at Curly Sue are adamant about achieving just that as well as sharing some insight into their process of preparation.

Find them here.

3. Sitara Cariappa

A food blog run by chef Sitara Cariappa and her family is an ode to the Coorg people and their love for coffee brews, spirits and meat dishes, especially those made with pork. They often delve into the childhood memories that are so closely associated with the cuisine and discuss their family recipes. The page also helps the audience to gain an understanding of the local ingredients and how they can be utilised to achieve wholesome flavours. They are slowly building a community of food enthusiasts who all share a passion for learning more about the specialities of the region as well as the culture that enables its excellence. 

Find them here.

source: http://www.homegrown.co.in / Homegrown / Home> #HGExplore / by Gulbahaar Kaur / April 11th, 2023

Swetha Changappa wishes ‘Kailpodh’ to all Kodavas

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

Actress-host Shwetha Changappa is celebrating the festival of Kailpodh with her son Jiyaan Aiyappa. She shared a video on social media where she is seen dressed in a traditional Kodava-style saree and wishing the Kodava community a happy and prosperous Kailpodh.

Swetha Changappa wishes 'Kailpodh' to all Kodavas

Actress-host Shwetha Changappa is celebrating ‘Kailpodh’ with full enthusiasm. Draped in a traditional Kodava-style saree, the proud Kodavati recently took to her social media handle and shared an adorable video, where she is seen posing along with her little munchkin, Jiyaan Aiyappa.

The Kodavati’s wish

Shwetha in the video is seen wishing all the Kodava community people a very happy and a prosperous Kailpodh.

She is seen wishing in the native language and talks about the importance of celebrating the festival.

Swetha’s baby boy is also seen in the video and wishing everyone on the occasion in his cutest way possible.

The Kailpodh festival

For the uninitiated, September 3rd marks the festival of Kailpodh, in Coorg. While in Kodagu the festival is celebrated on different days, elsewhere Kail-Podh is observed at homes on the third of September.

The Kail Podh day begins with the youngsters touching the feet of their parents.

Traditional and household weapons, such as guns, war knives, swords, spears, bows, and arrows, are cleaned and placed near the thook bolcha (hanging prayer lamp) in the house.

On a work front
Swetha Changappa is currently seen hosting kids-based reality game show, Chota Champion, which returned to the Kannada small screens after a long gap.

The doting mommy

Talking about Swetha’s three-year-old son, Jiyaan has indeed become the latest sensation. The baby is quite popular on social media as mommy Swetha’s Instagram handle is filled with videos and pictures of Jiyaan. The actress indeed seems to be enjoying her motherhood to the fullest.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> TV> Kannada / etimes.in / September 03rd, 2023

Puthari Namme: Harvest Festival Celebrated In Traditional Grandeur

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Youth Wing of Mysuru Kodava Samaja inaugurated

Mysore/Mysuru:

‘Puthari Namme,’ the harvest festival of Kodagu, symbolising the first harvest of the paddy crop, was celebrated in a grand and traditional manner last evening at the Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar First Stage here.

The festivities showcased a diverse array of Kodava cultural events, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the gathered audience.

Hundreds of Kodava community members including men, women and children had gathered at the Kodava Samaja and took home the paddy crop (kadiru), chanting “Poli Poli Deva” and prayed to Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery and welcomed the Dhanya Lakshmi to their homes. 

The highlight of the event was the cultural performances by young community members who have spent hours and days learning the traditional Kodava dances and songs. Their performance received loud applause from the community members and the boys and girls have been saddled with continuing the tradition of this small community that is facing the onslaught of modernisation.

The members of Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Vijayanagar Railway Layout, Mysuru, during the celebrations.

The performances featured captivating dances like ‘Ummathaat’, ‘Bolakaat’,  ‘Puthari Kolata,’ ‘Kathiyaat,’ ‘Baalopaat,’ ‘Pareyakali’ and ‘Taalipaat’.

Notably, a new Youth Wing of the Mysuru Kodava Samaja was inaugurated and Katera Vedik Uthaiah has been nominated as its President. The other  members of the team will be announced soon.

Commencing with a puja dedicated to the deities Lord Igguthappa and Goddess Cauvery, the festival progressed with a symbolic harvesting of the paddy crop (kadiru) and ceremonial firing into the air.

 Kodava men donned their traditional attire of ‘kupya-chele,’ ‘peechekathi,’ and ‘mande-tuni,’ while women adorned themselves in the customary red sarees and ‘vasthra.’

As an integral part of the festivities, special ‘tambittu’ made from fried ‘kusubalakki’ mixed with ripe banana, was distributed to all the members.

Mysuru Kodava Samaja teams that have won various prizes in hockey matches and other cultural performances at Federation of Kodava Samajas, Balugodu, were honoured.

Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Hon. Secretary Ketolira Ravi Belliappa, Treasurer Ittira Kashiappa, Joint Secretary Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, office-bearers and committee members were present on the occasion.

A group photo of the members of the newly constituted Youth Wing of Mysuru Kodava Samaja with Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy and others.

The harvest festival was also celebrated at Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Vijayanagar Railway Layout, Mysuru.

Simultaneously, ‘Puthari Namme’ was celebrated in grandeur across Kodagu district yesterday.

The festival commenced with the ‘Nere Kattu’ performance at Kakkabbe’s Paadi Sri Igguthappa Temple at 7.30 pm. Subsequent celebrations were held across Kodagu district.

Though the festival concluded yesterday, the celebrations are set to continue for a week in rural areas of Kodagu and during this extended period, traditional ‘Puthari Kolata’ will take centre stage, accompanied by various other dance forms at the designated ‘Mandh’ in villages.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / November 28th, 2023

Kodava Muslim Community Celebrates Puttari Festival in Gonikoppa

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized,

Coorg:

The Kodava Muslim Association (KMA) illuminated the night with joy as they celebrated the ancient custom of removing the traditional Kadiru (New Rice Crop) on the auspicious occasion of Puttari festival. The festivities took place on Monday night, drawing the spirited participation of hundreds of members from the Kodava Muslim community, marking the Harvest Festival of Kodavas.

At the striking hour of 8:30 PM, the Kadiru removal ceremony unfolded in the Jamma Gadde of the Kolumanda family in Aimangal village, Gonikoppa. Led by KMA President Duddiyanda H. and Sufi Haji, the event saw elders from Aimangala village, KMA members, and Kootambattira Hussain coming together to share in the holy Swalat. Boiled rice milk, a symbol of abundance, was distributed to all attendees, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.

Key figures in the program included KMA Vice President Akkalatanda S. Moidu, General Secretary Italathanda Rafiq Tuchamakeri, Treasurer Harishchandra A. Hamsa, Joint Secretary Karatorera K Mustafa, Organizing Secretary Meetalathanda M. Ismail, and Senior Director Chimmichira K. Ibrahim (Ummani).

The presence of local Jamaat presidents, such as the head of Kondangeri Jamaat and K.M.A. Director Kuppandir K. Yusuf Haji, and the President of Katrakolli Jamaat, Alira M., added a distinguished touch to the celebration. Residents from various areas, including Kottamudi, Cheriyaparambu, Kunjila, Kolakeri, Kondangeri, Chamiyala, Gundikere, Nalvathoklu, Ambatti Kandangala, Katrakolli, Halligattu, and Begur, joined the festivities alongside children from Aimangal. The program, hosted by Kolumanda Rafeek, extended its warmth with a traditional Tambittu-Puttari sweet potato breakfast and dinner, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Kodava Muslim community. The Kadiru, symbolizing the new rice crop, was then respectfully taken to households, marking the culmination of a joyous and culturally significant event.

source: http://www.thehindustangazette.com / The Hindustan Gazette / Home> News> Latest News / by The Hindustan Gazette / November 28th, 2023

UAE Kodava Community Gathers For Puthari Festival

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Uncategorized, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion,

Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna emphasises community representation in democracy

Dubai:

A Puthari get-together was organised recently in Dubai by the UAE Kodava Committee. The event not only featured cultural festivities but also offered valuable insights from Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna who was the chief guest.

Ponnanna underscored the importance of community representation in a democratic system. “It’s crucial to have representation in democracy for our community.” Stressing the role of the ‘Connecting Kodavas’ initiative, he highlighted its relevance and the necessity for systematic participation in the democratic process.

Ponnanna, along with Palengada Amit from ‘Connecting Kodavas,’ encouraged a collective mindset towards sustaining the Kodava community, irrespective of geographical locations. They also urged attendees to support such initiatives, emphasising a systematic thought process about the community’s survival.

“Regardless of our activities and locations, our thought process should be directed                          towards sustaining our Kodava community. We should all come together and contemplate the survival of our community,”  remarked Ponnanna.

The event also featured engaging activities, including a quiz focused on Kodagu, providing a fun way for attendees to reconnect with the rich heritage and traditions of Kodava culture. Dressed in Kodava attire, participants underscored the sense of community and unity.

Beyond its celebratory nature, the Puthari get-together served as a platform to discuss pressing community issues and lay the groundwork for a brighter future. Delegates from ‘Connecting Kodavas’ also highlighted the importance of events like the upcoming Global Kodava Summit in 2023.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 27th, 2023

Obituary: Perianda C. Appaji

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

Perianda C. Appaji (80), a native of Kaikad village in Kodagu and a resident of Bengaluru, passed away yesterday in Bengaluru. He was the youngest son of late Chengappa, who had written ‘Kodava Andolat Paat.’

Appaji, who started his career as a journalist at Kodagu Press, later served in Samyukta Karnataka and Prajavani. He became popular for his special reports on horse racing in Prajavani.

Last rites were held this morning at Sumanahalli Crematorium in Bengaluru.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Obituary / November 22nd, 2023

Mookonda Bose Devaiah Dies In Freak Accident

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

Ammathi: 

Mookonda Bose Devaiah (60), former President of Ammathi Kodava Samaja, died this morning in an accident near his home. A brick-laden truck, reversing near his residence in Mundoni, Bilugunda village, Ammathi, collided with him, resulting in his untimely demise.

Devaiah fought relentlessly for the cause of Kodava community and was the man behind the development of Ammathi Kodava Samaja.

He had a commendable track record and served as the President of APMC, Director of the DCC Bank, Director of Akhila Kodava Samaja and held a prominent role as a BJP leader.

Following a successful collaboration, Bose Devaiah emerged as a prominent figure within the BJP , actively participating in the party’s activities. He demonstrated leadership qualities and contributed significantly to the party’s growth in the region.

However, recent developments have seen him maintaining a somewhat neutral stance after facing several attempts to sideline him.

 Bose Devaiah, known for his principled involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideology, blended his commitment to social service with his political endeavours.

Family sources have informed that the last rites will take place tomorrow (Nov. 20) at 10 am        in Mundoni.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 19th, 2023

Annual ‘Kodava Namme’ At Balugodu From Nov. 16 To 19

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

Madikeri:

‘Kodava Namme,’ the annual cultural and sports festival organised by the Federation of Kodava Samajas will be held from Nov. 16 to 19 at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Cultural Centre at Balugodu in Virajpet, Kodagu.

The four-day festival will begin with the inauguration of the hockey tournament, said Federation President Kallichanda Vishnu Cariappa. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Madikeri on Monday, he said that the hockey match will be held between different Kodava Samajas and four matches will be played on the first day on Nov. 16. 

On Nov. 17, there will be another four matches and the first semifinal will be played on Nov. 18 and the second semifinal will be played at 2 pm on Nov. 18. After the first semifinal, respects will be paid to the war memorial constructed by the Kodava Samajas and Maj. Gen (Retd.) Bachamanda Cariappa will be the chief guest. 

This apart, events like tug-of-war, shot put, coconut shooting will be held for both men and women. On Nov. 19, different Kodava Samajas will present cultural programmes in five different venues within the Balugodu campus. The finals of the hockey match will be held on Nov. 19 followed by prize distribution. 

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda and MLC Suja Kushalappa will be present as guests. 

Federation Secretary Vaterira Shankari Poovaiah, Convener Kambiranda Kittu Kalappa, Food Committee President Kumbera Manukumar, Sports Committee President Thambukuthira Madhu Mandanna, Technical Committee Director Achakalira Palangappa, member Pattada Manu Ramachandra, Cultural Committee Convener Boliyangada Dadu Poovaiah were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 15th, 2023

Unravel the Culinary Secret of Kodava Cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

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

Bengaluru is about to witness a distinctive and unforgettable gastronomic experience as Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru announces an exploration of the remarkable cuisine of Coorg on the 15th and 16th of November, at CUR8, the hotel’s signature restaurant. This two-day pop-up at Four Seasons is the third in a series of unique partnership with Chef Pin; showcasing the incredible culinary talents of home chefs. In this latest pop up, home chef Radhica Muthappa brings to the forefront the lesser known, yet incredibly rich and vibrant Kodava Cuisine.

Coorg, nestled in the lush greenery of south west of Karnataka, is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its distinct and flavourful cuisine. Coorgi cuisine, often referred to as Kodava cuisine, reflects the culture and traditions of the people of Kodagu, known for their warm hospitality and love for robust and earthy flavours.

At the heart of this culinary celebration is Radhica Muthappa, a passionate home chef who has mastered the art of this cuisine and is set to bring her love for the Kodava culture to the table, creating dishes that pay homage to the region’s rich culinary heritage. Her journey as a chef has been a remarkable one with a background in working at The Park Hotel in Chennai and now running a couple of cloud kitchens from her home in Bangalore. She has honed her skills over the years, and her expertise in Coorgi cuisine ensures an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

The culinary delights of this micro-cuisine that have long remained undiscovered by many, are a beautiful blend of indigenous spices, aromatic herbs, and local produce from Coorg, creating dishes that are hearty, delectable, and deeply rooted in tradition. Savor Radhica Muthappa’s flavourful masterpieces including dishes like ‘Coorg Meatball (Kaima Undey) Curry’ and her signature dish, ‘Pandi Curry with Kadambattu’ and embark on a journey with Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru into the heart of this regional culinary treasure, celebrating the indigenous ingredients, authentic recipes, and a commitment to quality and innovation.

In an age where the world has become a global village, there is something incredibly special about exploring micro cuisines like Coorgi Cuisine. Guests can interact with the home chef and learn about the cuisine and the culture of the state in the sophisticated atmosphere of CUR8, where stylish decor and attentive service create the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

This pop up at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is a gateway to understanding the Kodava way of life, making this event an exploration of both food and culture.

Date: November 15th and 16th, 2023

Venue: CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Buzzing News> Hotel News / September 11th, 2023

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, restored work of renowned Kodava writer, released.

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted
Dignitaries release Appaneravanda Appachha’s ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’ in Madikeri on Saturday. DH photo

Writer Bacharaniyanda Appanna has said that a chapter on the life of Kodava writer Appaneravanda Appachha should be included in school syllabus.

At a book release programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy here, Appanna said Appachha laid foundation for literary activities in Kodagu.

Lauding the initiative of the academy to document the achievements of the writer in the form of a book, Appanna said such initiatives will bust the myth that the district still lags behind in literary field. Though most of the works are being  brought out in Kodava, lack of adequate publicity has become an impediment in reaching literary lovers, he observed.

Study materials

Lauding Appachha as ‘Kalidasa of Kodagu’, Appanna said it is evident with most of the poems, plays and also theatre songs penned. The available study materials will help younger generation in getting a glimpse of the writer and his achievements, he noted.

Appachha’s works date back to over a century and he has written four plays in Kodava. One among them, ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, was facing extinction, but for the timely initiative of the academy. The work has got a new lease of life, he said.

Registrar of Kodava Cultural Study Centre, Mangaluru University, Kodeera Lokesh said, “Though the love for the land among locals is on the decline, there are very few who feel proud and also patriotic, speaking in awe about the contribution to defence forces in the country.”

The youths should take initiative in studying culture and tradition of the land. The academy is playing a key role in conserving the culture, by judiciously using funds provided from the government, he added.

Additional Deputy Commissioner M Sathish Kumar stressed on documentation of history related to Kodagu for history lovers. The available historical documents in the record room at deputy commissioner’s office can be digitised for the benefit of next generation, he suggested.

Works released

Researcher Biddanda Rekha Chinnappa’s book on ‘Swatantrya Poorva Kodagina Rajakeeya Parisiti (Politics in Kodagu During Pre-Independence Era), researcher Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna’s ‘Kodagina Mand Mane Kymada Mandgala Srimantha Parampare (The Rich History of Traditional Kodava Houses), Macchamada Gopi Seethamma’s ‘Neethi Joppe’ and journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Utthappa’s ‘Appaneravanda Appaccha Kavi Jeevanacharitre (Biography of the Writer) and  Sirigandha Srinivasmurthy’s CD on ‘Kodava Bhashikara Samagra Dakaleekarana’ were released. Akademy chairman Biddatanda S Thammaiah, Madikeri Urban Development Authority Chairman Chummi Devaiah, writer Nagesh Kalur, deputy director (retd) S I Bhavikatti were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Amp> Story> Content> 627810 / by DHNS / August 13th, 2017