Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Harangi Reservoir in Kodagu to be beautified

Rs one crore proposal has been forwarded to the state to improve the musical fountain in the area alongside establishing a rain shelter – with nearly 500 seating capacity – across the fountain.   

Madikeri:

The Harangi Reservoir in Kodagu will soon witness beautification work to attract more tourists. The reservoir, meanwhile, wears a colourful look as the crest gates have now been equipped with LED lights.

Harangi Reservoir near Kushalnagar is one of the popular tourist destinations in the district and is visited by over two lakh tourists annually. A minimum entry fee of Rs 10 is being currently collected from the visitors. However, steps are now being taken to improve the reservoir to make it aesthetically appealing.

“The LED lights to the crest gates have been fixed using the Annual Maintenance Funds. More beautification works will commence shortly as several proposals have been readied for the development of the reservoir,” confirmed Chennakeshava, the system engineer of Harangi Reservoir.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Executive Engineer, Puttaswamy confirmed, “Two proposals for the beautification of the reservoir premises have received approval and the work for the same will begin shortly.”

He explained that a Rs 98 lakh project has been approved to fix lighting across the reservoir area. “The garden, drainage gallery, crest gates and the surrounding areas of the dam will be fitted with improved lighting under the project,” he added.

Further, a chain link fencing will be installed across the musical fountain area in the reservoir “A conflict wild elephant had entered the reservoir premises a couple of times. To avoid this in future, Rs 90 lakh has been approved for the establishment of chain link fencing. The funds will also be used to equip the fountain with a diesel generator,” he explained.

Apart from the approved projects, Rs one crore proposal has been forwarded to the state to improve the musical fountain in the area alongside establishing a rain shelter – with nearly 500 seating capacity – across the fountain. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / August 25th, 2022                     

CNC Celebrates Edmyar-1 Kodava New Year Day By Ploughing Paddy Fields

Madikeri:

Codava National Council (CNC), which is aspiring for Codavaland Geo-Political Autonomy and ST tag for Kodava tribalism, celebrated its 26th Annual Codava (Kodava) New Year Day Edmyar-1 as per Kodava tribal almanac by ritualistic ploughing of paddy fields. 

CNC President N. U. Nachappa offered prayers to Guru-Karonas at Koopadira clan and reverential prayers to Mother Earth, Sun, Moon before two bullocks named Karianna – Kulla, ploughed a few rounds in the wetlands of Koopadira clan. 

To herald the unbreakable bondage of Kodava tribal world with mother soil to entire universe, CNC is determined to showcase and display the age-old folkloric cultural traits and genus of Kodava tribal ancestry. In other words, all these ancient festivities enriched the civilisation of Kodava martial tribe.

CNC also prayed for the well-being of all the people of this world that is reeling under the pandemic COVID-19. Koopadira Sabu, Koopadira Mohan Muthanna, Lt. Col. Parvathi, Kompulira Myna Purandara and Koopadira Pranam participated in the celebrations.

Due to Corona pandemic, CNC’s Annual Edmyar-1 evening’s torchlight (pombolak) procession at Gonikoppal, is not being celebrated today. Speaking on the occasion, Nachappa said, “All Codava folkloric festivities and rituals mirror the agro-pastoral commitment, hunting skills and warrior hood of Codava tribal folk from time immemorial which depicts that we are above the tenets of caste and religion who are living in the rustic hills, mountainous terrain in the midst of rivers and rivulets.”

“We are happy that the Founding Father of the Constitution of India, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s birthday coincides with Codava New Year. We are ever grateful to Dr. Ambedkar for his yeomen contribution of accommodating space for expressing grievances of micro-minority tribes like Codava tribe,” he observed.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Covid-19> News / April 14th, 2020

This 150-Year-Old Heritage Bungalow In Coorg Offers A Stay Amid Lush Coffee Plantations

Bungalow Coorg

A 150-year-old bungalow in Coorg, which was once the residence of the German missionary Georg Richter, has now been converted to a boutique homestay. The School Estate lies amid the lush coffee and cardamom plantations of Coorg where you can have a tranquil stay, far from the clamours of the city. At the estate, you can wake up to the chirrups of birds and start your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Bungalow In Coorg Dating Back To 1878

The School Estate dates back to 1878 and is now run by the Aiyapas. Every element inside the plantation bungalow exudes an ancient charm. The century-old pool table inside the homestay has been converted into a quaint dining table. The traditional cottages at the estate are embellished with artefacts curated from different places visited by Mr. and Mrs. Aiyappa. In proximity to the estate, lies the Coorg Golf Links with an 18-hole golf course, surrounded by the verdant Western Ghats.

The estate has two charming cottages and a large family room. While staying at the homestay, you can take a stroll through the 200-acre farm dotted with coffee, cardamom and pepper plantations. You can also unwind on the hammock while taking in the aroma of coffee.

Dig Your Forks Into Traditional Kodava Dishes

At the School Estate, you can have an unforgettable dining experience in the lap of nature. The menu comprises traditional Kodava dishes prepared with ingredients sourced straight out of the farm. The estate also offers delectable English breakfasts and comforting cakes.

Handpick Coffee Beans And Play With Baby Elephants

During your stay at the estate, you can indulge in a plethora of experiences like handpicking coffee beans, fishing and golfing. You can also go on cycling tours to the nature trails nearby. The Thithimathi and Dubare elephant camps, home to the majestic Asian elephants, are also near the estate. You can play with the baby elephants here under the observation of the mahouts.

Transported to the estate already? To book your stay, click here.

source: http://www.curlytales.com / Curly Tales / Home> Discover> Travel> Travel Discovery / by Suchismita Pal / September 16th, 2022

Kodagu will be an independent council: Subramanian Swamy

“Utharkand, Telangana, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have become separate states after a long fight. Why should Kodagu not get an autonomous council?,” he questioned.

Subramanian Swamy addressing the gathering in Kodagu (Photo | ENS)

Madikeri :

“I will fight for your (Kodagu) separate existence within Karnataka state but with an autonomous council,” declared former minister and economist Subramanian Swamy in Kodagu. He was addressing the gathering at the 32nd Codava National Day celebration in Madikeri on Saturday. The event was hosted by Codava National Council (CNC).

Subramanian Swamy in his speech assured CNC about the organization’s goal of achieving geo-political autonomy through a legal battle. “Great injustice has been done to you (Kodagu/Kodavas). But keep fighting,” he added.  He assured to file a petition in the Supreme Court shortly to get Geo political autonomy status to Kodagu. He stated that he will seek support from his legal advisor Satya Sabarwal. “Utharkand, Telangana, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh have become separate states after a long fight. Why should Kodagu not get an autonomous council?,” he questioned. He assured that Kodagu will be an independent council by November next year.

Meanwhile, speaking with the media Swamy said, “The former minister Chidambaram has faced serious charges in many cases followed by Rahul Gandhi in the young India case. Prisons wait for them.”

He commented on the Modi regime and spoke, “I am not opposing Modi. But his policy of appeasing China is opposed by me. He should not allow the Chinese to occupy our territory. India should fight back. I also oppose some of the wrong economic policies of the present government. No one in BJP has the guts to question the wrong policies except me. Even the PM has failed to declare Ram Setu as a heritage spot despite several appeals by me.”

Virat Hindusthan Sangam national secretary Jagadish Shetty, Supreme Court advocate Satya Agarwal and CNC president NU Nachappa also spoke. Several resolutions including the demand for ST tag for the Kodavas were passed during the session.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / November 26th, 2022

‘Puthari’ On Dec. 7

Napoklu:

‘Puthari,’ the harvest festival of Kodagu, will be celebrated on  Dec. 7 as per the date decided at the Paadi Iguthappa Temple in Kakkabe.

Timings and date were decided based on calendars and astrology by the representatives of 13 families and the office-bearers of the Temple.

‘Nere kattuva’ ritual will be held at Paadi Iguthappa Temple at 7.20 pm on that day; reaping of new paddy crop (Kadiru) at 8.20 pm; distribution of prasadam at 9.20 pm.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 24th, 2022

Tamil Nadu’s DakshinaChitra museum’s two new projects will showcase Calicut and Kodava architecture

The museum is buzzing with activities ranging from art exhibitions to music events.

Grounds teeming with young school children, tourists stopping by to admire artisan demonstrations, galleries filled with a cornucopia of artefacts from across the country — these are all familiar sights at DakshinaChitra, the living museum, that has been a constant on the Chennai cultural map since its inception in December 1996. But the pandemic decidedly forced the museum to pause its trajectory and plans for the third decade of the millennium.

Sharath Nambiar, director, DakshinaChitra is happy that the grounds are now slowly coming back to life. “For the first time since 2020, we have crossed pre-pandemic numbers in terms of visitors and footfall. Schools and colleges have resumed field trips and our expanse of over 10 acres is now brimming with energy and activity. We even have 22 artist stalls with live demonstrations and are looking to add more to the roster,” he says.

The museum had envisioned a Garden Show in 2020, but that did not pan out. “We have planned a grand showcase in January 2023, with a flower show, workshops, and prizes for the city’s best home gardens, bonsai, terrace and vegetable gardens, as well as ikebana and other techniques. Chennai should have a garden show like Ooty and Bengaluru,” says Nambiar.  

A lot is happening here. Over the past few weekends, musical ensembles have performed at the museum’s multiple venues, including juniors from the Sunshine Orchestra, supported by the AR Rahman Foundation and the KM Music Conservatory, and Madras Commune’s Follow the Sound that had audiences literally moving towards the music at different venues. The art galleries have focussed on Tamil heritage through November.

But the one project that has the museum buzzing with activity and anticipation is the construction of its Calicut House. “We started this project in March 2020, but then were forced to stop, since the movement of man and material was difficult during the pandemic. We resumed construction only this April, hoping to open its doors during summer 2023. The home belonged to a  Muslim family in Calicut,  and we had a team of 12 carpenters from Kerala, who carefully worked to reconstruct the home exactly as it was. We envision an exhibition around sustainability, using this Calicut house,” says Nambiar. The plan is to use the rear facade to install solar panels, use rain water harvesting apparatus, water conservation and  composting techniques, in the adjacent compound area, to sensitise, “our millennial audience to environmentally conscious processes that were a part of our heritage in different forms over decades. We worked with Benny Kuriakose and his team of architects as well as a team from Auroville to set this up,” adds Nambiar. 

Calicut house under construction | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

While the Calicut House is all but ready for the public, the Kodava House or Coorg House will be the latest addition to the living heritage space, “to focus on the Kodava community which came into focus with the book, The Vanishing Kodavas by Kaveri Ponappa, and this project will be bolstered by the presence of the Sandooka—The Living Museum of Kodava Culture , an interactive virtual museum expected to be formally launched in 2023 as well,” adds Nambiar.

The Coorg style house in its original location | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Kodava House will showcase the way of life of the   community living in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. They have a deep connect with the land. The house to be reconstructed has been identified. “We have to carefully document the structure, then the parts are numbered, photographed, we have drawings to scale, then the home is painstakingly taken apart, using teams from the area who understand the materials and techniques. Then we slowly start the process of moving the parts to be assembled in the museum, in the exact same way.

A tapattam performance | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Crafts Bazaar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The process starts early 2023 and would take close to 16 months to complete,” concludes Nambiar, as the museum readies itself for a hectic Margazhi season packed with performances, as well as a December anniversary celebration replete with spirited folk performances and a unique exhibition showcasing the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> E Paper> Life & Style / by Anisha Menezes / November 24th, 2022

Anant Nag: Thimayya is unique and complex

The senior actor talks about his role in Thimayya and Thimayya which not only challenged him as an actor, but also gave him a lot of enjoyment acing it

Legendary actor Anant Nag is set to star in Sanjay Sharma’s debut directorial, Thimayya & Thimayya, and shared that the role was very challenging. “When director Sanjay Sharma told me about this film, I asked him to send the script, and I enjoyed reading it. I was even surprised that such a story was coming from an ad filmmaker, and liked the way he understood the creative process of cinema,” says the actor.

Thimayya & Thimayya is about the bonding between a grandfather and grandson, and the actor plays an arrogant Coorgi person, who has a very unique and complex character arc. “There is a negative trait to the character (Thimayya), who is egoistic and selfish. In fact, I was debating whether to take up this role, but the shades that Sanjay had sketched to this part attracted me. I’m curious to know how the audience will react to this particular character,” says Anant Nag, who also appreciated the art director Vineeta for creating authentic structures that go well with Sanjay’s story.  

Anant Nag’s Thimayya is not just wealthy in the film, but is also a good trumpet player. “He is good at playing the trumpet, but uses the same instrument to inflict violence too. He is a control freak, and wants his grandson to obey every order of his. The undercurrent theme of this film adds entertainment value to the script,” says Anant Nag, who was also happy to have learned a new instrument for the role.

Anant Nag from Thimayya and Thimayya

Anant Nag is one of those very few actors, who craves to do better with each film and still enjoys everything about acting. Throughout his prolific acting career, he has always had filmmakers of that era develop scripts with him in mind. This constant updating has made filmmakers always approach him with unique roles and interesting stories. Sharing his love for collaborating with fresh talents, Anant Nag says, “I’m glad to know that there are directors who still have me in their minds while writing characters. Having said that, I don’t feel like accepting everything. I love to be part of projects where I can enjoy the character, and also be part of a team that sets a good atmosphere,” he signs off.

Thimayya and Thimayya, bankrolled by Rajesh Sharma, also stars Diganth, Aindrita Ray, and Shubra Aiyappa in the lead cast.

source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> Kannada / by A Sharadhaa / November 23rd, 2022

Cut-Outs Of Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar Jr. Stand Tall In Kodagu Villages

Excitement building among fans at Gaddehalla and Kadanga as FIFA Qatar World Cup begins today

Kushalnagar:

With the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup beginning today, the world is set again after a gap of four years to witness the biggest and the most celebrated football festival and the game fever has reached every nook and corner of the globe. The FIFA World Cup will kick off in Qatar tonight (9.30 pm) with 32 teams battling for the highest honour in the month-long international football.

While the football mania has taken the neighbouring Kerala by storm where the game is close to the hearts of the people with hundreds of clubs at small and remote villages, the hill station of Kodagu too is gaining attention with a group of football lovers from remote village of Gaddehalla erecting huge cut-outs of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr. in the village, attracting attention.

The cut-outs of seven-time Ballon d’Or winner (annual football award presented by French news magazine France Football since 1956) Messi from Argentina, Portuguese legend Ronaldo and Brazil star Neymar Jr. have been erected at Gandhi Circle at Gaddehalla. While Neymar’s cut-out is 15-ft, Ronaldo’s cut-out stands tall with 30-ft in height and Messi’s cut-out too stands tall with a height of 35 to 40 feet.

Cut-out at Kadanga too

Soon after youths of Gaddehalla near Suntikoppa erected the cut-outs of their idols, youths of Kadanga, another village in Kodagu erected a 30-ft cut-out of Ronaldo near the Kadanga Bus Stand Circle. Meanwhile, the Messi Fans Association in the village too are giving a final shape to the cut-out of Lionel Messi and it will be up when the World Cup begins. One more cut-out of Messi has been set up at Suntikoppa town.

Neymar Jr. will be playing in his third World Cup and Brazil is considered one of the favourites to win the tournament. This is his best chance to come out of the shadows of his two superstar peers — Messi and Ronaldo.

“We, the members of CR7 Fans, decided to erect the cut-outs of the three legends due to the attention they are receiving. Moreover, there has been so much talk about Messi and Ronaldo who are likely playing in the World Cup for the last time. Their memories will be cherished for a long time and it is our way of honouring them,” Zayid Abbas of Amity United Football Club and a die-hard fan of Ronaldo told Star of Mysore.

R-Day Tournament

Amity United Football Club was established seven years back and the club has 40 members between the age group of 15 to 35. “We are one among the 23 registered Football Clubs in Kodagu and apart from playing regularly in our own village and in the district against other clubs, we also travel to Kerala for tournaments,” he added.

Of the seven years, the club members just played tournaments for two years and in the last five years, they have been organising tournaments for Republic Day. “In 2023, we are organising a three-day tournament on Jan. 24, 25 and 26 and it will be floodlit football. We are aiming big and we are working out plans,” Zayid Abbas said.

Players of Amity United Football Club, Gaddehalla in Kodagu. The Club has 40 members.

60 trophies to their credit

Players from Amity United Football Club have won over 60 trophies in matches held at various places. “Unfortunately, we have received no encouragement either from the Government Sports Department, District Administration or the Sports Authority. We do not even have a proper ground to play. In fact, there is no football ground for that matter in Kodagu,” he regretted.

“Kodagu has over 23 registered Football Clubs and in each club, there will be a couple of good players and we can easily have more than 100 best players who can compete in State or National level Tournaments. The best among the best can represent India internationally. It is stifling and painful to see the neglect. The focus seems to be only on cricket while other sports are brushed aside,” he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News Top Stories / November 20th, 2022

Annual ‘Kodava Namme’ At Balugodu From Nov. 18 To 20

‘Kodava Namme,’ the annual cultural and sports festival organised by the Federation of  Kodava Samajas will be held from Nov. 18 to 20 at Balugodu in Virajpet, Kodagu.

The three-day festival will begin with the inauguration of the hockey tournament tomorrow morning while the cultural programmes will be inaugurated at 10 am on Nov. 20.

The finals of hockey match will be held at 2 pm followed by prize distribution, according to a press release from the Federation President.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / November 19th, 2022

Devaiah Bopanna calls it a day at All things Small

He is partnering with Tanmay Bhat and Akshay BD for a start-up in the cryptocurrency space.

Devaiah Bopanna

Devaiah Bopanna, Chief Creative Officer at All Things Small — known for campaigns such as Disney+Hotstar’s #SiwaySRK, and Cred’s ‘Indiranagar ka Gunda’ — has announced that he is leaving the agency to explore a new venture.

Bopanna, who has written several viral ads along with the former AIB team, is set to join hands with Tanmay Bhat and Akshay BD in a cryptocurrency start-up called SuperTeamDao.

Announcing it on LinkedIn, he said, “I got introduced into the world of crypto a few months ago by Tanmay between takes on an ad film shoot.”

“This turned into obsession over a period of time. So I couldn’t be more thrilled in joining Tanmay Bhat and Akshay BD as a founding member of SuperTeamDao, where we will be spending all our time, energy and resources in building a supercharged community that helps service crypto companies in their growth, and find interesting new ways to bring crypto into the mainstream stream,” he added.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/devaiah-bopanna-6a50b716_update-after-two-brilliant-years-at-all-activity-6850784217698226176-lUU-/

Bopanna co-founded All Things Small along with Sidin Vadukut, Supriya Nair, Gaurav Vaz, and Sunil Doshi in 2019. He has also worked with Creativeland Asia, Lowe Lintas and Mudra Communications. He started his career in 2008 as a copywriter with Ogilvy and Mather. In 2015, he became the head writer for AIB.

Info@BestMediaInfo.com

source: http://www.bestmediainfo.com / Best Media Info / Home> Digital / by Best Media Info Bureau / Mumbai – October 05th, 2021