Folk arts in Kodagu district are on the verge of losing its identity. There is a need to conserve it. All of us have a responsibility to conserve folk culture, said Karnataka Janapada Parishat president T Thimme Gowda.

Speaking at a meeting organised by Janapada Parishat, he said that Kodagu was known for its rich legacy of folklores. “However, we are facing threat of losing it. Awareness on folk culture should be created among youth who are aping western culture. There is a need to document folk culture. The Parishat has plans to collect information on folklores,” he said.

To protect the culture and lifestyle of Kodava and Arebhashe traditional dwellers in Kodagu district, the parishat district unit will be set up.

Lecturer Dr Sridhar Hegde said that there was a need to document dialects of different languages, to help the future generation.

Dr J Somanna said that folk teams should be trained.

Ramanagara Janapada Trust Managing Trustee Indira Balakrishna said that folk was not only an art form. “There is a need to make an in-depth study on the lifestyle and food habits of the people of the region.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madkikeri – DHNS / June 09th, 2013