Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Spending time with the tribals

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Uncategorized

Honey hives: In the forest
It was a day to remember when school kids danced with the Soliga tribals recently at the town hall.
A recent event in Mangalore brought school students closer to Soliga culture. Many of them joined the Soligas as they danced as part of a programme held in the city’s town hall recently.

The students were from Stds. VI and VII. There were 40 students from Government Higher Primary School, Parappade, and 70 students from Government Higher Primary School, Mullakadu.

Song and dance
Enjoying ethnic beats: With the Soliga tribe
The dance was part of a week-long celebration of dances organised by the Information Departments of all the 30 districts of the state.

Most of the students said that they were seeing the dances and songs of the Soligas for the first time.

The Soligas explained to the students about life in the forest. The students asked them several questions about their food, their way of worship and how they lived in the forest.

Telling time

Raghuvir, Std. VII, Government Higher Primary School, Parappade, said, “I liked the way they described how they collect honey and how they tell the time by looking at the blooming of a flower. They should be allowed to live in their forests.”

Nirmala, Std. VII, said, “Women in the tribe have freedom.” Hithesh, Std. VII was thrilled how they could detect a snake hidden in the foliage.

Dhanaraj, Std. VII admired the way they dressed, their views on animals, their ornaments made from what is available and the variety of their dances

Mamatha, honorary teacher, Government Higher Primary School, Parappade, was impressed by their marriage custom, where a girl can choose her life partner and the expense of the marriage came to only Rs.12.50.

The word Soliga means “people of the bamboo”, because they believed they originated from the bamboo. They live close to nature. This is seen in their local tribal laws. They harvest fruits and berries only from trees that has lots of flowers. They leave the overripe ones for the birds.

They cultivate land only for five to seven years. Then the land is left untouched for 50 to 75 years, so that the forest takes over again.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Life & Style> Kids / by Renuka Phadnis / April 02nd, 2012

A true blue Ghat trip

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment


Abbey fall provide the perfect picturesque view.
Madikeri (aka Marcera) is a hill town in Karnataka and is the headquarters of Kodagu district. This place is named after King Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 to 1687.

I was new to Karnataka, an intern in Mysore and was just starting to understand Kannada, so I knew that this road trip was going to be a great experience for me. I had my bike, a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 2002, and I am sure no one can ask for a better ride for a road trip.

I am also a photographer, so packing up the backpack with my camera and lens, a pair of clothes, some sweaters and jerkins; I started out at around 3 pm on a Saturday from Mysore.

Stopping once to fill the tank and took the Hunsor road towards Marcera. The road goes through villages and farms, so its quiet crowded most of the time.

Kaveri Nisargadhama is a point where the river Kaveri bifurcates and flows through a stream where people can take a dip to cool off.

The Kaveri Nisargadhama is protected by the forest department that does not allow people to enter after 5 pm. So I barely made it in. There is a park and lots of deer playing around in a fenced ground.

Proceeding there I rode on to Madikeri at about 8 pm. Now, if you are a bike enthusiast then you have got to ride through the Ghats.

It’s a whole different feeling just cruising along hearing the dhup dhup dhup of your bike ringing through the woods. The roads curve beautifully, allowing you to literally glide along.

I was able to find a place to sleep at a hilltop hotel, which is behind Hotel Kaveri. After checking in, I took a stroll in the night in the mild drizzle, which is likely to happen almost night during that time of the month.

The next morning, I took a walk from the hotel to the Raja’s seat and the Madikeri Fort. The town is so beautiful enveloped in mist and dew. The roads are empty with hardly anyone around. The cold air gives you such a chill that it literally jump starts you.

The places that are worth visiting are very close, hardly 500 meters from the centre of the town. I headed for Abbey Falls, which was about nine kms from the town bus stop.

At the check post just before the falls, I was greeted by a guard who was ecstatic at the sight of the bike. He was like, “Oh! You rode from Tamil Nadu? Which year is this bike… etc.” The people of Kodagu are very humble and hospitable and are known for rendering their service to the nation. The place is known for its coffee plantations.

The coffee powder and the beans from Kodagu are a must try. My father loves coffee and simply loved the packet I got him. I left Madikeri by 2 pm and rode back to Mysore. On my way back, I stopped at Bylakuppe, the Tibetan Town. I got caught in a bas spell of rain and had to ride very slowly. I reached my room at almost 9 pm, drenched and tired. But it was one great experience.

History

Raja’s Seat is a small square platform made out of bricks and mortar is surrounded by four arched pillars. It is said that, during those times, this was the favourite spot of Kings and therefore the name of the place is Raja’s seat. The beauty from this place is impeccable especially during the sunrise and sunsets.

Trivia

Abbey fall is located between private coffee plantations with sturdy coffee bushes. The sight of this place is beauty personified as we can see trees entwining with pepper vines. If you look closely, the falls that appear suddenly quietly turn into a silent lake.

Food

Sri Krishna Bhavan is one of the most popular restaurant in Madikeri. Serving traditional North Indian and South Indian cuisine, the restaurant offers lip-smacking paneer-based dishes like palak paneer and paneer bhurji. People from Coorg make sure they visit this place.

Stars promoting their soil

When a person like Jonty Rohdes asks you to visit his country, who would refuse? The South African cricketer, a well known travel enthusiast who has travelled to almost every country is inviting more travel enthusiasts to explore the beauty of South Africa.

In a first of its kind association, South African Tourism has teamed up with renowned cricketer, Jonty Rhodes to launch the book, My South African Diary, penned by Jonty himself.

As Jonty travels through his home country, he dons the cap of a narrator in the diary and shares his varied, exhilarating experiences of the scenic beauty of South Africa.

Jonty is not the only celebrity to promote his home country. Jackie Chan did a TV series where he narrated the beauty of China, we had instances of Konkana Sen Sharma taking us through the streets of Kolkata.

Harsha Bhogle’s Travel India with Harsha Bhogle is yet another popular show where he travels across the country explaining the rich tradition and culture of the country.

There is no doubt that the tourism departments of various countries have roped in stars to promote the tourism industry.

The writer is a photographer and a travel enthusiast

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Channels> LifeStyle> Wanderlust / by Venkatesh Ravi / DC / Chennai / March 29th, 2012

Respect the Girl Child: Prema Cariappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders


Caption: Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board, inaugurating the International Women’s Day celebration organised by Karnataka State Social Welfare Board at Rajendra Auditorium in JSS Hospital premises here recently. Others seen are State Board Chairperson Vinoda Nataraj and Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bhardwaj.

Mysore, Mar. 28

“Members of the Indian society need to shed the ancient notion that only male issues can support us in our old age and that one attains ‘sadgati’ after death only if one is the a parent of a male child,” said Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Advisory Board, New Delhi.

Speaking after inaugurating International Women’s Day celebration held under the aegis of Karnataka State Social Welfare Board at Rajendra Bhavan in city on Monday, she said that women are playing a pivotal role in the development of the nation and the country; but in spite of this, they are being discriminated.

She further said that even today, the birth of a female child is considered shameful. Even though girls excel in education they are being discriminated in the fields of higher education, professional courses and employment.

“The need of the hour is to educate girls. She said that the social evils like dowry etc. have ruined the society. Women are being burnt alive if dowry is not given. Police and judiciary seem to be helpless in stopping these crimes. Govt. is taking appropriate steps for the development of women but it is the duty of the voluntary organizations to come forward to work in the field of social work,” she said and opined that local elected representatives need to work towards eradicating this discrimination.

Board’s chairperson Vinoda Nataraj, State Women’s Development Corporation Chairperson Sarojini Bhardwaj and Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director N.R. Vijay were the chief guests.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / March 28th, 2012

New team for Kodava Academy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Madikeri, Mar. 25
Drama artist Addanda C. Kariappa has been nominated as the President of Karnataka Kodava Sahithya Academy, as per a government order passed yesterday. He succeeds Imudiyanda Rani Machaiah.

Other members of the Academy for the three year term are: Prof. Ittira K. Biddappa of Gonikoppal, Chendira Nirmala Bopanna of Ponnampet, Maletira Abhimanyu Kumar of Somwarpet, Bottolanda Mittu Poonacha of Peroor, Charmanda Poovaiah of Kunjilageri, Kudiyara Thammaiah of Yavakapadi, Kasturi Govindamayya of Madikeri, Chendanda Sumi Subbaiah of Maldare, Melathanda A. Ramesh of Hysodlur and Uma Prabhu of Napoklu.

The order was issued by K. Sudhakar Shetty, Deputy Secretary, Kannada & Culture Dept. and Information Department.

source: http://www.StarOfMysore.com / General News / March 25th, 2012

Percept Talent on a spree of signing talents, hires Pooja Batra & Payal Rohatgi

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


Percept Talent – The celebrity management division of Percept Limited has recently signed talents from various genres ranging from Bollywood to Wrestling to Squash. The newly signed talents are Pooja Batra – renowned Bollywood actress & former Miss India Asia-Pacific, Sangram Singh – India’s only Professional Wrestler having represented India in multiple fights, Joshna Chinappa – India’s leading squash player and Payal Rohatgi of the latest reality show – Survivor India fame. The tenure of the contact was signed.

Speaking about the newly signed talents, Joji George, CEO, Percept Sports & Entertainment said, “We are extremely pleased to have these names associated with us. We at Percept Talent will help provide assistance to our talents in flourishing in their respective career graphs. We welcome them on board and hope for a long fruitful association.”

Pooja Batra : At a young age, she started modeling as a part-time job. She was best known for her Liril soap commercial. She was the first Indian face to launch and be a spokesperson for Head and Shoulders in India. As a model she has participated in over 250 events and ad campaigns. She shot to fame when she was crowned Miss India Asia-Pacific in 1993. She has played the lead role in over 20 films. The first film she signed was Virasat in 1997. She worked in over 22 films including Haseena Maan Jayegi, Dil Ne Phir Yaad Kiya and Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye. After shifting her base to Los Angeles for over 5 years now, Pooja plans to re-initiate her presence in Indian entertainment market. After a series of discussions; Pooja has signed exclusively with Percept Talent to manage her endorsement, television content creation, appearances and performances in India.

Sangram Singh : A Professional Wrestler from India and a Gold Medallist in the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship held in South Africa; Sangram Singh came to spotlight after his stint at latest reality show Survivor India. Sangram is a true showcase of what determination can enable one to do; as he was wheel-chair ridden for around a decade post which his grit and determination took him to this stage where he is among the world’s most well known professional wrestlers. After evaluating multiple talent management organizations, he chose to sign exclusively with Percept talent as he was convinced that PTM could add significant value in his overall career growth.

Joshna Chinappa : Joshna is one of the leading squash players of India and was the first Indian player to have won the British Squash Championship in 2003. Joshna is the face of leading brands like Nike, Gold Gym, the 3c company etc and is a perfect mix of athletic composure and earthy model like looks. Joshna’s international ranking has always been high and is expected to reach below 20 in a 2-3 year horizon – a feat never achieved by any Indian. Her association with Percept Talent was established when Percept Talent signed the 3c deal with her earlier this year. After evaluating the planning and the professional handling of her work, she was visibly happy to associate herself with Percept as an exclusive talent.

Payal Rohatgi: Actress Payal Rohatgi who has recently featured in the latest high TRP garnering reality show, Survivor India; signed exclusively with Percept talent. She had shown interest in Percept Talent due to her prior association with the company.

Percept Talent’s immense knowledge, understanding and in-depth perceptive will certainly assist these talents in representing the brand values to a wide set of audiences.

source: http://www.MediaNewsLine.com / by Swati Arya / Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

IPL after-parties to have fashion shows

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

While they continue to remain exclusive this year, focus is on international fashion.

Quite like the previous years, this IPL season will see the after-parties take centre stage once again. As the nation gears up for the T20 tournament, the focus on fashion will be top priority at the parties.

The good news this year is that the after-parties, to be held in Chennai, will also feature fashion shows for the first time. Bangalore-based fashion consultant Prasad Bidapa, who is co-ordinating the after-parties, confirms, “We will have two shows in Chennai this time.”

The line-up of designers will be just as exciting as they have been for the parties that have taken place in other cities so far. There will also be designers from Colombo, who will be taking part here. Prasad says, “We are not looking for bridal or any such extravagant show. Instead, we are looking at showcasing outfits that have an international appeal. The list of designers will include a mix of well-known and fairly new people, all of whom have that global appeal when it comes to their sense of fashion.”

With designers like James Ferreira, Masaba Gupta, Manoviraj Khosla, Rehane and Vivek Karunakaran featuring in previous editions, it is little wonder that the guest list at the after-parties include the who’s who of town.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Life & Style> Fashion / by Sunayana Suresh / March 23rd, 2012

Cauvery: include Betta Kurubas in ST list

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Uncategorized

‘A ZP resolution should be submitted to the government’
Vice-president of the Kodagu Zilla Panchayat H.M. Cauvery said on Monday that the State government must include Betta Kurubas in the list of Scheduled Tribes to enable them to get benefits due to the community.

She made this point at the monthly KDP meeting held at the Old Assembly Hall in Madikeri presided over by president of the zilla panchayat Ravi Kushalappa, according to a press release.

A resolution should be passed in the meeting and submitted to the government, Ms. Cauvery said.

Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat N. Krishnappa said that the State government had constituted a commission to take up a comprehensive study of SC and ST communities in the State. It would be good if the proposal (to consider Betta Kurubas as ST) was submitted to the commission.

Kodagu Social Welfare Officer Rajesh Gowda said that his department had written to the State government to consider Betta Kurbas as a Scheduled Tribe. He would remind the government of it again. Mr. Krishnappa asked the social welfare officer and the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) officer to take steps to assess the socio-economic status of SC and ST communities in Kodagu and the extent of government benefits that reached them.

Deputy secretary of the zilla panchayat S.Y. Basavarajappa said that Rs. 18.92 crore had been spent under MGNREGA scheme in Kodagu and Rs. 1.27 crore had to be spent. Mr. Krishnappa said a proposal seeking Rs. 9 crore had been submitted to the government in the current year of which Rs. 1 crore had been released. Funds were being provided based on the requirements of gram panchayats, Mr. Krishnappa said.

He said 52 drinking water projects were energised in the district recently, and asked the Executive Engineer of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) to complete 18 such projects by March-end.

Mr. Kushalappa asked CESC to follow up the work on Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyudeekaran Yojna providing electricity to BPL households in the district and ensure that it was completed by March-end.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / National> Karnataka / By Staff Correspondent / Mysore, March 13th, 2012

Guns and roses

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Uncategorized

Coorg – Where a gunshot signifies the beginning and end of life. We walk you through the fascinating traditions of these hill people

Dshoom! The loud gunshot made me get up with a jerk. Half-asleep under the quilt, I was a little confused about where I was. My children, who were fast asleep too, got up with a loud scream that made me realise we were holidaying at an estate in Coorg. We rushed out to see what was happening and were surprised to see our host Arun Appachu holding a rifle and sporting a big smile.

A bit shaken — you couldn’t entirely blame it on the cold morning weather — I was even more puzzled when he offered me sweets. “For what?” I exclaimed.

“There is a new arrival in my family.” His grin grew wider. “But what is that gunshot all about?” I continued my investigation, unable to share his moment of happiness as my four-year-old daughter clung to me in fear.

“Oh, that is our way of announcing a child’s birth in our family. My sister gave birth to a healthy baby this morning,” he said.

CULTURE POINT

“Interesting,” I murmured, and saw him off. After sometime, the journalist in me led me to Dream Path, his cottage, to learn more about their culture. At his home, there was a stream of visitors and continuous phone calls congratulating the family. Arun and his wife Kaveri understood my puzzlement, and started explaining the Coorgi culture. “In those days,” he began, “there was absolutely no way of communication, especially in a hilly place such as Coorg. The houses were scattered and it took a very long time to go from one house to another. People started using rifles to announce good and bad happenings in their families: One shot for a birth and two for a death in the family. And it continues even today in spite of better communication facilities.”

His grin was back.

“We religiously follow what our ancestors did. We believe in worshipping our ancestors. It is called Gurukarana.”

Once a year, every family gets together for ‘karana koduppu’ in their ancestral house to thank their ancestors for what they have given them today.

By now, I was hooked to his narration. “Be it worship or weddings, we follow certain practices. Boy and girl are never together during the wedding. The groom’s side finishes rituals in their house and come to the bride’s place with loads of gifts for her. The girl’s mother ties the ‘pathak’ (equivalent to mangalsutra) around the girl’s neck. Thereafter, the boy lifts the girl holding her hand, which symbolises the wedding,” says Kaveri.

HAPPY OCCASIONS

Feast, music, dance and fun are the same during happy occasions as in other communities in our country. One difference though is the way women here wear their saris. And there is a legend behind it. Arun says, “Sage Agasthya wanted to marry Cauvery, who wanted to remain unmarried and serve the people. She agreed to marry him on one condition that he would never leave her alone even for a moment. But one day, when the sage left her alone for long kamandal a disappointed Cauvery took the form of a river and started flowing.”

“The locals didn’t want her to go and tried to stop her. They finally succeeded at a place called Balanderi. Her force was so enormous that the pallu of the saris of the women wrapped itself around their shoulders. The style began then,” explains Kaveri.

About the festivals, they say: “Would you believe it we have a hockey festival? During April-May every year, we celebrate Hockey Namme in which around 250 families (belonging to the Coorgi community) participate. One family takes up the responsibility of hosting the event. There are no age restrictions. Even girls and women participate. We do not consider it a competition. It is a major festival for us. We get to know more and more people every year and it helps in bonding.”

In September, during the ‘Kail Poad’ festival all machinery and implements such as ploughs, knives and axe, are worshipped. There is also the harvest festival ‘Puthari’ (hutri) in December, during which people go to the paddy fields with guns, wearing traditional clothes and jewellery to bring the paddy home.

Now our lives revolve around our estates, says Arun. “Coffee, pepper and honey. We breathe and live for the greenery around us.”

source: http://www.TheHindu.com / Life & Style> Metroplus / by N. Hemamalini / March 16th, 2012 /

Coorg jewellery: Website launched

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

A new website has been launched featuring Femina Miss India (Miss Photogenic) 2011 Dayana Erappa to showcase the unique jewellery and costume of Coorg.


www.coorgjewellery.in is the first exclusive website dedicated to Coorg jewellery and costume.
An interesting part of the website is a video featuring Dayana Erappa, an international model who is also from Coorg, on how to drape a Coorg style sari.

The video has been directed by fashion guru Prasad Bidapa, according to a press release.

Distinctive

Coorg or Kodava jewellery is very distinctive. Coorg style bracelets (kadagas) have become popular with non–Coorg women in cities like Mysore and Bangalore.

Though in the past traditional Kodava jewellery was made only in Kodagu, now-a-days many jewellers in Bangalore also make them. An interesting aspect of some of the Coorg jewellery is that they are hollow and lac is filled inside to give them a sturdy appearance.

The repousse work commonly used in Coorg jewellery, uses a small quantity of metal, beaten to paper thinness, to convey an impression of weight and solidity, and a three-dimensional effect.

Besides jewellery, the website has sections for Coorg sari, men’s costume and accessories, said the release.

There is a section devoted to Coorg wedding which is a colourful affair and an occasion that allows women an opportunity to show off their saris and jewellery.

The website has been promoted by the group which started Coorg’s first news portal www.coorgtourisminfo.com in 2005, said the release.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District/ Mysore, March 13th, 2012 / DHNS

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Memorial Prog.

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

Kodagu, Mar. 10 (KBM& DM)

Nenapu-Namana, a programme to commemorate and pay tributes to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, was held at the Field Marshal’s birth place Shanivarasanthe in Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district today.

The programme took place at Shanivarasanthe’s Government Middle School ground under the auspices of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Smarana Samithi.

Assembly Speaker K.G. Bopaiah unveiled a stone plaque. Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan presided. Renowned Cine Director Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar, High Court Public Prosecutor H.S. Chandramouli, MLC M.C. Nanaiah, former MLA B.B. Shivappa, former MLC S.G. Meda-ppa and others were present.

Earlier, the public and school children accompanied by folk and cultural troupes, marched in a colourful procession through the main roads of the town to reach the venue.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / March 10th, 2012