Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Kodava kings

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

Nikkin Thimmaiah, Ponanna, Kariappa and Nachappa

They are known for their valour and their hockey skills. Taking a step ahead in their commitment to the national sport of the country, seven Kodavas from the city have got together to form the Coorg’s Orange Club. This month the club is hosting its first 5-A-Side, Rink Hockey Tournament. Known for sending hockey champs to the national team, the Kodava community is on par with the Punjabis in training skilled players.

With this short format game, similar to the 20-20 cricket format, the organisers are hoping to get more youngsters involved. For the first tournament, 40 Kodava families and 40 sanghas have registered their teams. In an attempt to recreate the nostalgia of earlier times, the club wants to take hockey to every school, college and IT-company of the state. “We want every school child to carry a hockey stick like it was earlier in our childhood days. Hockey needs to get back its due credit,” says Kambeyanda Mohan, one of the organisers.

To kick-start a movement of sorts, the Orange Club thought it was ideal to begin with a new-format tournament. “We have come up with the 5-A-Side format, where only five players from each team can compete on field. The duration of each match will be 10 minutes and can stretch maximum up to 12.5 minutes and will be played on a smaller turf,” says Machetira Jenith Aiyappa, one of the organisers. While the preparations are in full-swing, national champions have been roped in to act as mentors for the juniors.

“We have set an example to many youngsters. But now it is our turn to motivate them and train them,” says Kariappa AD, junior nationals’ player. Though their enthusiasm and will power knows no bounds, a few think this format is also a challenge to show their skills. “The turf is smaller for this format and is totally different from other championships. We need a lot of stamina and endurance to show our skills,” says Nikkin Thimmaiah, another junior nationals player.

Men, women, kids and senior citizens have been encouraged to participate. Particularly girls are being encouraged to take up the sport. “Hockey has been a community sport for the Kodavas. But our idea is to make it a sport of all communities across the state. So for the first time, we have brought together six hockey legends to help us with the mentoring of participants and players who will join the club,” adds Jenith. Dr Mollera P Ganesh, BP Govinda, Paikera E Kalaiah, Maneyepanda M Sommaiah, Lt Col Baleyada K Subramani, Anjaparvanda B Subbaiah are the six senior-most players who will be mentoring the players.

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Ayesha Tabassum / DC / July 04th, 2012

Kodagu gets world heritage tag

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion

The nomination process which started in 2002 during the NDA government and then followed since 2004, successfully ended India’s campaign of getting natural sites included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

As far as Kodagu is concerned, a total area of 652 square kilometres, covering Pushpagiri, Bramhagiri and Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuaries and its clusters, namely Kerti Reserve Forest and Padinalknaad Reserve Forest, have been included in the coveted World Heritage Site list. This was announced in the high-level meeting of the World Heritage Committee held in St Petersburg, Russia, on Sunday, sources told Express.

10 sites from Karnataka and 39 in total from India have been included in the list. Kodagu falls in one of the bio-diversity hot spots of the world, known for its rich flora and fauna and dense forest cover. Sources revealed that the meeting was represented by 17 countries, which strongly supported India. The Indian delegation responded to a range of questions and clarifications asked by the high-level committee before announcing the status. Conveners of Wildlife First A A Thammo Poovaiah and Praveen Bharghav told Express that it is a rare recognition and honour for the people of Kodagu and Karnataka for their efforts to conserve their heritage and tradition.

Reacting to this development, MLA M P Appachu Ranjan said that it is unfortunate that in spite of opposition from the people and state, the Government of India has forwarded the proposal to UNESCO. He added: “We will discuss with the CM and look forpossibilities of questioning this decision in the court of law.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh / Express News Service / July 03rd, 2012

Special Moonsoon offers at Tata Coffee – Plantation Trails

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Come monsoons and it’s time to soak in the magic of the undulating estates of Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur. The rains enhance the beauty and grandeur of plantation life at the Tata Coffee Plantation Trails. Nestled amidst the lush plantations and cradled by the verdant hills of South India, Tata Coffee’s bungalows create a romantic getaway in the rains.
Tata Coffee – Plantation trails in Chikmagalur


Mesmerizing monsoons at Coorg

Coorg, Karnataka

Come monsoons and it’s time to soak in the magic of the undulating estates of Tata Coffee in Coorg and Chikmagalur. The rains enhance the beauty and grandeur of plantation life at the Tata Coffee Plantation Trails. Nestled amidst the lush plantations and cradled by the verdant hills of South India, Tata Coffee’s bungalows create a romantic getaway in the rains.

Plantation Trails provides a peaceful refuge for those seeking solace from urban jungles. Watch the world pass by while the hours waft into wonderfully long rain-soaked days, relishing cups of steaming hot coffee and enjoying the air, heavy with the fragrance of coffee & fresh wet earth.

Contrary to perception, the monsoons add magic to Coorg & Chikmagalur; it is only during the rains that the splendor of nature is at its best. The areas surrounding Plantation Trails are rich with flora and fauna and the gushing waterfalls add extra sparkle to the exciting activities chalked out for you & your loved one.

Rain enthusiasts may soak in the moments with exclusive Plantation Tours that enhance their knowledge about India’s favourite beverage while sipping on fresh brewed coffee. Or tea, if so desired. .

For those needing an adrenaline rush, the White Water Rafting is the best bet to beat the drudgery of the city. A scoop of the monsoon with rapids such as the ‘Wicked Witch’, the ‘Big Bang’, the ‘Grasshopper’, makes white water rafting its roaring best and is undeniably an experience beyond description.

Back at the bungalow, guests are in for another treat. The butler and cook of each bungalow whip up authentic local delicacies that create harmony between hunger and heart.

A holiday at Plantation Trails during the monsoons promises an experience that will leave you enchanted. The tranquility of the luxurious bungalows characterized by plush furnishing, serene plantation views and a host of activities will surely make you come back for more.

To obtain details on the exciting offers and packages available please contact: Phone: +91 (080) 2356 0761/ 2356 0695-97 (Extension 118) Fax: +91 (080) 2356 1974/ 2334 6098 E-mail: reach.plantationtrails@tatacoffee.com Website: www.plantationtrails.net

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / Home> Press Release> Leisure/ Travel/ Hotels offerings / India PR Wire / Karnataka, June 27th, 2012

‘Dwani’ rain effect cinema

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The first complete rain filled cinema in all the scenes of outdoor is ‘Dwani’ is all set to capture the natural rain in July and August month in Madikeri, Sakleshpur region.

Wesley Brown achieving a good name working for eight departments in ‘Modhala Minchu’ even before release has got another opportunity.

‘Dwani’ starring debutant Adarsh Kaginale a Chartered Accountant in profession and a model Ranjitha as counterpart is produced by Gurudut Kulkarni an ad company owner. Veer Samarth is scoring the music for the film.

It is a real life love story. The couple is living today. They will be introduced on the day of release of the film says producer Gurudut.

‘Dwani’ has a caption Kelistha Ilva Ninge….is the debut for Adarsh Kaginale a student of Govindas College of Surathkal who is a chartered accountant today with a qualification in acting from Adarsha Film Institute. A good looking Adarsh Kaginale learnt swimming, horse riding, stunts and dance. He has been working as chartered accountant since six years in multinational companies. He was impressed with the one line story narrated to him. He was in to various cultural activities in his college days.

Ranjitha Gowda took part in reality shows of Suvarana channel, worked as model and now working for an NGO is debut actress in ‘Dwani’.

source: http://www.supergoodmovies.com / Home> News> Kannada Movie News / June 26th, 2012

Nucleus of cultural conservation

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Growing reach: The Kodava Samaja in Vasantnagar is at the centre of efforts to keep the community’s traditions alive. Photo: Bhagya Prakash K. / The Hindu
Almost coinciding with the centenary celebrations of the Bangalore Kodava Samaja last year, the Bureau of Economics and Statistics revealed population figures of Kodavas (Coorgs/Coorgis if you will), immediately giving rise to widespread doomsday theories.

If the statistics are to be believed, in 2011, there were around only 1.25 lakh Kodavas all over the world. Thereafter, stories published in newspapers went as far as to say that by 2030, the entire community would be wiped out.

MISLEADING METHODS?

P.S. Appaiah, retired professor of sociology, who is also penning a book on the history of Kodavas, disputed these claims, questioning the method of collection of figures. “It seems as if members of Kodava Samajas have been counted for the purpose of statistics; but, that excludes children below 18 years of age,” he reasoned. “Similarly, Kodava women, if not men, who have married outside the community, may not have been considered.”

However, he admitted that the numbers were declining. “Post-1950, especially 1975 onwards, the one to two children per family policy became popular. At the same time, many Kodavas started migrating to cities, several of them landing lucrative jobs in public sector units. They also followed the family planning policy more strictly.”

PRIDE IN PRESERVATION

Whether it’s because of these alarming figures being propagated in popular media or simply reverence and pride for their culture — the community is after all celebrated, perhaps stereotypically, for their strong presence in sports, particularly hockey, and the armed forces — many Kodavas, particularly those living away from Kodagu, are particular about keeping their tradition alive.

The Bangalore Kodava Samaja at Vasantnagar, perhaps the most active of the samajas across the country, is at the nucleus of this effort at conservation. In fact, flanked by Thimmaiah Road and Cariappa Road (named after General Thimmaiah and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa), the area seems to be the centre of Kodava pride.

Early migrants from Kodagu in Bangalore established the Coorg Association in 1911. Beginning with 15 members, the association was renamed as Kodava Samaja as more members were added.

Initially, the samaja is said to have functioned from private houses or public places. In 1959, the maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar donated an acre of land to Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who in turn handed it over to the samaja. The Kodava Samaja was registered in 1961.

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

Sudha Muthanna, from the samaja’s cultural committee, explained the methods engaged in making youngsters part of it. “The training imparted to children in various traditional dance and art forms is done at the level of the sanghas. There are about 35 area-wise sanghas that are actively teaching youngsters traditional art forms such as ummathat and bolkat,” she said.

MORE THAN A CHOULTRY

This is not where the role of the Kodava Samaja ends. From starting out as a wedding choultry, which strictly adheres to the community rules of marriage and its rituals, the samaja has branched out to several other areas.

K.B. Jaya Chinnappa, secretary of the Bangalore samaja listed out the other functions of the organisation, which includes running two educational institutions — Cauvery school and college — under the Kodava Samaja Education Society, a death fund for members, medical and education fund (under which scholarships are given to meritorious children), a proactive sports and recreation club, and a youth wing, among others. For the future, it wants to bring more Kodavas residing in the city under its ambit.

“Of the 40,000-odd Kodavas living in Bangalore, only around 14,000 are members,” Chinnappa said. “We want to ensure that at least 25,000 of them are members of the samaja.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / By K.C. Deepika / June 27th, 2012

Luxury Hotels in Madikeri

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri offers tourists with varied accommodation options that range from budget to luxury resorts to homely homestays. Among the numerous budget accommodations in Madikeri are Hotel Mayura Valley View, Roxel Inn Hallery Estate, Solitaire Exotica Resort and Spa, Kechitti House, Prasanthi Resort, Sri Vinayaka Lodge, Hotel Chitra, Popular Residency, The Mercara Inn, Hotel Hilltown and Hotel Fort View. These budget Madikeri Hotels provide basic amenities along with food to all its guests.

The Kaveri river flows through this region and is a very sacred river to the Kodagas who call themselves children of Kaveri. Madikeri is popular for its many sightseeing options that include the Rajah seat, Abbey Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Madikeri Fort and many more. The Madikeri Fort is the most prominent one among Madikeri’s chief attractions. This fort houses a museum, a district prison and the popular Kote Maha Ganapathi Temple.

Madikeri is hemmed by misty hills through which many a waterfall tumble down flowing through the dense forests as merry streams.

Madikeri is the capital town of Coorg district, one of the most visited tourist destination in the state of Karnataka. Enveloped in lush green vegetation, this town is also known by the name Mercara.

Abbey Falls a beautiful waterfall here is another popular attraction of Madikeri. For families with young children, a visit to the Dubare Elephant camp is a must. The camp provides wildlife safari on elephants, which is enjoyed by all. A unique opportunity to spend some time with elephants is also offered here wherein visitors can join in bathing elephants, feeding them and even petting the young elephants.

Raja’s Seat is another popular tourist spot here that provides a panoramic view of the valleys down below and the mountains high up above. Tourists flock to this place during sunset time to witness the scene of the sun setting amidst the beautiful mountains.

Madikeri has two resorts, too, Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley and Heritage Resort both of which provide tourists with luxury accommodations in the midst of this green haven. These Madikeri hotels provide guests with luxury amenities such as here bar/lounge business centre, fitness centre, free parking, kitchenette, restaurant, room service, swimming pool and wheelchair access.

Madikeri Hotels also include a number of homestays such as Dhanush Homestay, Ajantha Homestay, La Emilia Homestay, Serenity Homestay, Aarti Homestay, Jungle Trails Homestay, Malma Homestay, Misty Heights Homestay, Chirpy Haven Homestay, Coorg Trekkers Paradise Homestay, Dhyan’s Den Homestay, Alpen Glow Homestay, Ganga Homestay, SilverLine Homestay and Ananda Nilaya Homestay. These homestays provide a perfect stay for families with small children or elderly since the atmosphere is homely and the food is prepared fresh without excessive oil or other artificial flavours.

source: http://www.xiaomax.com / Home> Travel & Leisure / by Mike Jimmy / June 24th, 2012

Rs. 5-crore for development of Bhagamandala, Talacauvery

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Imposition of dress code for those visiting the two temples sought

Cauvery Neeravari Nigama has released Rs. 5 crore for the development of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery pilgrim centres in Kodagu, according to information received here on Friday.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly K.G. Bopaiah, who presided over a meeting to chalk-out programmes for the development of these pilgrim centres at Bhagamandala on Thursday, told the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee headed by Manu Muthappa to have a long-term plan and utilise funds effectively.

Work should not affect the originality or sanctity of the temples in both places, he said.

Mr. Bopaiah elicited views of members of the Bhagamandala gram panchayat, prominent citizens of the district, including president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Ravi Kushalappa.

He asked chief architect of the Public Works Department Udaya to prepare a blueprint for the development of the two pilgrim centres in tune with the religious sentiments of the people.

Objection

There had been an objection by the auditors to the renovation of the temples using nigama funds earlier, he said. Funds should not be diverted for temple renovations any longer.

Instead, funds must be utilised for work such as construction of a yatri nivas, food distribution choultry, construction of retaining wall, and removing silt from Triveni Sangama at Bhagamandala, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Dress code for pilgrims could be introduced at the twin pilgrim centres henceforth to maintain the sanctity of the temples, Mr. Bopaiah said.

Demand

This followed a demand by some prominent citizens from Bhagamandala and other places of Kodagu.

According a source, people, including women, could not visit the temples scantily dressed.

Mr. Bopaiah said the Bhagamandala-Talacauvery Temple Management Committee would take a decision in this regard.

Mr. Kushalappa said that Bhagamandala and Talacauvery should remain as pilgrim centres and not as picnic spots.

New road

Mr. Bopaiah said NABARD had provided Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery. Besides, the road from Karada to Bhagamandala would be developed for which tenders had been invited.

The height of the bridge across Napoklu-Bhagamandala road would be raised.

Mr. Muthappa said Rs. 80 lakh would be provided for the “anna santarpane kendra” (free food distribution centre) in Bhagamandala. The committee would identify a site for its construction soon.

Steps would be taken to video record the jewellery of Bhagamanadala and Talacauvery temples through the Department of Endowments (Muzrai).

Development plans at Bhagamandala, included protecting the sanctity of Triveni Sangama, quarters for priests and staff of the committee, development of the spot where devotees offered “pinda”, and entrance arch, among others.

Plan

There was a plan to relocate the meat stalls and non-vegetarian hotels to the periphery of Bhagamandala town for which the committee would seek people’s cooperation, Mr. Muthappa said.

In-charge Deputy Commissioner K.M. Chandre Gowda, Superintendent of Police Manjunath Annigeri, and Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat Anjanappa attended the meeting.

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PWD chief architect told to prepare a blueprint
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Rs. 1.4 crore to construct a one-way road from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery
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source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Staff Correspondent / Mysore, June 30th, 2012

Dress code for Men and Women visiting Temples in Kodagu

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Madikeri, June 29
A dress code insisting on decent and traditional attire will soon be in force at five places of worship in Kodagu district, coming under the Muzrai Department.

A decision to this effect was taken up at a meeting of the Talacauvery-Bhagandeshwara Temples Management Committee, held at Bhagamandala yesterday. Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah presided over the meeting.

The dress code will be implemented at Talacauvery, Bhagamandala, Iruppu (near Srimangala), Omkareshwara temple (in Madikeri town) and Paadi Sri Igguthappa temple (in Kakkabe village), said Addanda C. Kariappa, President of Karnataka Kodava Sahithya Academy, speaking to Star of Mysore this morning.

As per the dress code, visitors to the holy places, including men, will be requested not to wear revealing garments like shorts or knickers, but to be well clad, preferably in the traditional attires, said Kariappa.

Local residents who participated in the meeting drew attention of the Committee towards the large number of tourists who visited the holy places, with most of them having no concern or regard towards the religious sentiments or sanctity of the place. They also alleged that several tourists consumed alcohol at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala and littered the holy places with piles of garbage.

The members then resolved to impose a dress code akin to the ones prevailing in other Hindu pilgrim centres across the country. “Devotees, especially women wearing jeans, T-shirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, knickers and other revealing dresses would be stopped at the entrance of the temples. Only the women wearing saree, chudidar and salwar kameez will be permitted to step into the holy place,” said Kariappa, adding that notice boards will be installed in front of the temples giving details about the dress code.

“The Police alone cannot enforce such discipline, especially in a religious place. The temple committee will employ the services of volunteers for this,” added Kariappa.

Temple Committee President Manu Muthappa, ZP President Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, DC (in-charge) K.M. Chandregowda, Police Superintendent Manjunath Annigeri, Assistant Commissioner (in-charge) Bhaskar, ZP CEO K.B. Anjanappa and others were present.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / June 29th, 2012

Coorgi food festival in Chennai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Coorg may be the smallest district in Karnataka but it’s undoubtedly BIG on food…

It’s a well-known fact that the Coorgs’ live to eat and take pride in their distinctive cuisine, which is influenced by the geography of the land as well as the history and culture of the inhabitants. The South Indian restaurant at Hotel Park Sheraton, Dakshin is offering an authentic taste of Coorg over a 12-day long Coorg Food Festival at Dakshin.

The Kodavas (inhabitants of Coorg) trace their descent from Alexander the Great and consequently are strictly non-vegetarian. Coorgi fare is high on spices which are grown in the region, with liberal use of pepper, cardamom and cinnamon. Liberal doses of kachampuli, a dark and tart vinegar which adds the authentic touch to the cuisine.

The accompaniments include sannas, puttu, pulao, yellow flavoured rice and egg biryani. Fish / chicken / beef pickle and chutneys add a dash of spice to the meal There’s a variety of rice dishes to choose from but we would highly recommend the nei kool (rice garnished with nuts and raisins, drenched in hot ghee!). Try the Akki Otti which goes best with a variety of curries including crab, meat and pork.

The delicious non-vegetarian options include meat pulao, Kadabu, prawn curry, chicken / fish curry, koli curry (chicken), fried quail, fried chicken coated with sesame seeds, venison, liver masala, menu saaru (fish), pork chops, pandi curry (pork) and parande (gizzard) fry. Cubes of pork in a dark sauce are served with buttery kadambuttus and a squeeze of lime.

The vegetarians can feast on beimbale (bamboo shoot) curry, nehale kumme (wild mushrooms) chekke kuru curry (jackfruit) aale kumme (umbrella mushrooms) bolleri fry (cucumber) bale kaamb (banana stem) curry, maange bajji (mango with coconut) and Mudure Kanni (simmered horse gram).

Go ahead and dine like a true Kodava!

Coorgi Food Festival at Dakshin
Hotel Park Sheraton
TTK Road, Chennai -18
Tel: + 91-44-24994101
Dates: June 19-30, 2012

source: http://www.buzzintown.com / Home> Bangalore – Articles & Reviews / Buzz Bureau / by Radhika Mohan / Chennai, June 26th, 2012

Zooming into travellers’ tales

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Ahmedabad:
For those bitten by the travel bug, poet Robert Frost’s famous exhortation on taking the path less travelled by, is a gospel. ‘Zoomed World’, the latest exhibition at Herwitts Gallery near Amdavad ni Gufa, instead of being limited to a display of photographs, is also a storytelling by four travellers.

The common thread that ties these Amdavadis – who met through CouchSurfing, a social media network meant for travellers – is the passion for travel photography. Be it Ramky’s shots of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Amit Shah’s picture of the Trojan Horse or Nishith Shah’s rare captures of the landscape of Turkey, the pictures tickle the wanderlust in you! The little notes written below each photograph add another dimension for the viewer. One is briefly transported to that little moment when Rahul Sanghvi reminisced about his grandmother’s stories when he saw the bamboo tree house tucked away in the high branches of Coorg – capturing the very essence of travelling.

Only Nishith is a professional photographer, Amit and Rahul are bizmen, while Ramky is a pharma professional. Collectively having travelled to more than 30 countries, the four have used CouchSurfing to traverse the globe. “Being hosted by local members, we got to see off-beat circuits and new perspectives,” says Ramky. “Today, CouchSurfing has become a crucible where cultures melt.”

With around 5.6 millions users in 246 countries, this social network is transforming and innovating travelling. In India the community is most active in Ahmedabad. “In January we organized Uttarayan festival and hosted more than 70 international travellers in the city,” says Rahul, who is also the ambassador of the body in Ahmedabad.

This the first time that members from CouchSurfing have got together to exhibit images from their various travels. “The hope is to inspire more to people to travel, connect with the fraternity and share their stories,” adds Rahul. The exhibition will be on display from June 19 to 24.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Ahmedabad / by Nisha Nair, TNN / June 20th, 2012