At just 13 years of age, Rianca Thimmaiah, a Class 8 student of BGS International Residential School (BGSIRS), Bengaluru, has emerged as one of Karnataka’s brightest young golfing talents. With consistent performances across regional and national tournaments, she has quickly risen through the ranks to establish herself as a name to watch in Indian junior golf.
Rianca began her golfing journey in Class 1 at the BGSIRS Golf Academy and has since trained under the guidance of professional golfer Trishul Chinnappa and school coach Revanna, with fitness support from national athlete Madhan Kumar. Her dedication has earned her recognition at the Indian Golf Union (IGU) National Circuit, where she now represents Karnataka.
In 2024, Rianca secured several notable victories, including the Mercara Downs Golf Club (Coorg) title in Category C, and a remarkable performance at the Bangalore Golf Club, where she recorded her career-best score of 68 (+1). She capped the year by winning in Category B at Clover Greens, Bangalore. Her strong showing in the IGU Nationals included a 4th place finish at the Karnataka Golf Association, Bengaluru, her best result yet on the National Tour.
Her winning streak continued into 2025 when she clinched the South Zone Tour Girls Category B title at the Bangalore Golf Club.
Apart from golf, Rianca is a well-rounded achiever excelling in academics, athletics, swimming, and National Cadet Corps (NCC) drills. She is also an avid reader and sports enthusiast, drawing inspiration from golf champion Nelly Korda and football star Cristiano Ronaldo.
From winning local tournaments in Coorg and Mysuru to competing on the global stage at the US Kids Indian Championship in Delhi, where she finished in the top four among players from eight countries, Rianca’s journey reflects discipline, perseverance, and a growing mastery of the sport.
With her recent successes and steady progress, Rianca Thimmaiah is positioning herself as a rising star in Indian golf, with the potential to make her mark internationally in the coming years.
source: http://www.clnews.in / CoffeeLand News / Home> Articles> Sports / by CLN Newsdesk / September 02nd, 2025
The day-long ‘Kodavaamera Aara Bera,’ a grand celebration of Kodava Heritage, Tradition, Music and Unity (Kodava Cultural Namme), organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy in collaboration with Kodava Samaja, Mysuru and Department of Kannada and Culture, began at Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar here this morning.
Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp along with Kodava Sahitya Academy President Ajjinikanda C. Mahesh Nachaiah.
Speaking on the occasion, Ponnanna said that this festival aims at projecting the rich Kodava culture, language and tradition.
Observing that there are many Kodavas in Mysuru, he stressed on the need for conserving the rich traditions and practices of Kodavas. The Kodava community members, who have settled at far off places for pursuing their career, should not forget their homeland’s culture and traditions.
Pointing out that a higher grant was provided for Madikeri Dasara last year, he said that this year too the celebrations would be on a grand scale in Madikeri and Gonikoppa with Government support.
The event features vibrant performances from folk tunes to traditional dance and drama, showcasing the spirit and essence of Kodava culture.
Kodagu District Guarantee Implementation Committee President Theethira Dharmaja Uthappa, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Event Convenor Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna, Co-convenors Putharira Pappu Thimmaya, Kondijammana M. Balakrishna and Napanda C. Ganesh, Kodava Sahitya Academy members Mollekuttanda Dinu Bojappa, Panikuttira K. Kuttappa, Ponnira U. Gagan, Kudiyara Kaverappa, Nayandira R. Shivaji, Cheppudira S. Uthappa, Nayakanda Baby Chinnappa, Chotteyanda A. Sanju Kaverappa and a host of Mysuru Kodava Samaja members were present.
MLA on Dharmasthala row
Speaking to media persons on Dharmasthala row on the sidelines of the Kodava event, MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who is also the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said that the Government is for a transparent investigation into Dharmasthala mass burial case and all those found guilty will be punished.
Commenting on the arrest of the ‘mask man’, the complainant in Dharmasthala mass burial case, Ponnanna said that the Government ordered investigation into the row in order to maintain the sanctity of the holy place.
Stating that it is not correct to say that no investigation should be made on allegations of mass burials at Dharmasthala, he said that SIT has arrested the complainant, who had made a statement before a Judge alleging that a mass burial of unidentified bodies had taken place in the surroundings of Dharmasthala.
Maintaining that the SIT has been doing its job in accordance with the law, he said that it has come to be known that the complainant himself is guilty of making false claims, for which he has been arrested this morning.
Wondering why the Opposition BJP is raising unnecessary hues and cries over the Dharmasthala issue, he questioned the propriety of the BJP taking out a march to Dharmasthala, which is nothing but politics.
The MLA further said it is left to the Police whether to take Sujatha Bhat, who had made allegations regarding Ananya Bhat missing case, into custody.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 23rd, 2025
Experience the rich flavors of Coorg at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park from September 12-21. Join us for a 10-day celebration of authentic Kodava cuisine.
This September, embark on an exquisite culinary sojourn as The Westin Pune Koregaon Park brings the authentic flavors of Coorg to your table. From September 12 to 21, 2025, The Market will transform into a celebration of Kodava cuisine, offering a 10-day showcase of recipes and traditions that are deeply rooted in the region’s culture.
Curated by Chef Priya Aiyappa, a proud Coorg native, the festival promises an authentic dining experience, with dishes prepared using time-honoured techniques and locally inspired ingredients. On the menu are signature delicacies such as the legendary Pandi Curry, paired with pillowy Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings), alongside Paputtu (soft rice and coconut cakes), and Noolputtu (delicate rice noodles). Seasonal specialties like the rich Kakkada Nyend Curry—crafted with prized monsoon mud crabs—and the earthy Baimbale Curry made from tender bamboo shoots, bring the lush terrain of Coorg directly to the plate. For a sweet finish, the humble yet comforting Thambuttu, a banana-based dessert, completes the experience.
“Coorg food is a reflection of its land—simple, bold, and deeply connected to tradition,” says Chef Priya. “Through this festival, I want to bring the warmth of Kodava hospitality and the true flavours of my home to Pune.”
With its inviting ambiance and vibrant setting, The Market at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park provides the perfect canvas for this unique celebration. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or simply curious to explore the rich culinary heritage of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, the festival offers an unmissable opportunity to savour one of India’s most distinctive regional cuisines.
When: September 12 – 21, 2025| Lunch, Dinner & Brunch Where: The Market, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Cost: 2399++ onwards Contact: +91 70662 00300
source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotel Listicles> Listicles / by Hospibuz / September 12th, 2025
From hand-picking cherries to experimenting with processing methods, Kodagu’s coffee growers are embracing change, writes Dhanyata M Poovaiah.
Once a paddy-growing area, Kodagu took to large-scale coffee cultivation during the British era. Today, it is India’s largest coffee-producing district.
Every district in the state has a speciality and when it comes to Kodagu, it is coffee. While Karnataka accounts for around 71% of India’s total coffee production, Kodagu alone contributes around half of the state’s total output, or roughly 37% of the country’s total coffee yield.
Originally, paddy was the region’s main crop. During the 19th century, the British started large-scale coffee plantations, considering the region’s suitable climatic and soil conditions for the crop. Today, Kodagu is India’s largest coffee-producing district.
Robusta and Arabica are the two main varieties of coffee grown in Kodagu. Initially, Arabica was the most widely grown variant of coffee. “Situated within a multi-storeyed coffee agroforestry system, Kodagu nurtures the GI-tagged Coorg Arabica Coffee, celebrated for its pleasant aroma, balanced flavour, mild acidity, strong body, and subtle floral notes,” says Pradeepa Babu, Deputy Director (Research), at the Coffee Board of India.
However, over time, planters gradually switched over to the heat- and pest-resistant Robusta. “Indian Robusta gets the highest premium in the international market, preferred for its good blending quality,” Pradeepa adds. This variety has a longer lifespan and is easier to maintain. Today, 80% of the coffee produced here is Robusta.
The Robusta plants are taller and have bigger leaves and rounder beans, and provide better yield. The beans also offer a stronger and bitter taste profile. Arabica, on the other hand, has elongated beans and is suitable in higher altitudes and colder climates.
Commercially available coffees are often a blend of Robusta and Arabica. The South Indian filter coffee contains a touch of chicory as well.
“Kodagu’s coffee has good markets in Europe, West Asia, USA and Australia, with Italy being the top importer,” says Vishwanath Keshavamurthy, CEO of Biota Coorg Farmer Producer Company Limited.
While Robusta and Arabica dominate the coffee scene here, two more varieties are gaining ground in the district. Liberica, a larger plant, is grown in smaller quantities, and Excelsa (locally known as Mara Kaapi) is also being introduced.
Shade-grown plantation
A unique feature of Kodagu coffee is the shade-grown method. “In Kodagu, coffee is grown in shade, wherein coffee plants are surrounded by taller trees and lush vegetation. The slow maturation process of coffee cherries here results in more mucilage, enhancing their flavour and the aroma,” says Naren Kuttaiah, director of Biota Coorg Farmer Producer Company Limited and the proprietor of Kallucoppa estate. Mucilage is a sticky, sugary, and pectin-rich layer found in the coffee cherry between the outer skin and the parchment layer.
“In other major coffee-growing countries such as Brazil and Vietnam, the crop is mainly grown in open plantations,” he adds.
Additionally, the coffee cycle in Kodagu begins with blossom showers in February and mid-March. The right amount of rainfall and sunshine is crucial for the healthy blossoming of coffee flowers and the subsequent development of the beans. If rainfall is insufficient, irrigation is carried out after 20 to 22 days. This is followed by fertiliser application (pre, mid, post monsoon application), pruning, shade lopping, weeding, desuckering and disease control.
Post-harvest cycle
Most commonly, the coffee cherries are hand-picked and dried directly in the sun for nine to ten days. However, in the honey method of drying, ripened red cherries are picked, depulped and then dried to accentuate the flavour. In the washed process, the beans are fermented, washed and then dried. Nutty, fruity, floral, citrusy flavours can be achieved depending on the process of fermentation.
“To pick only the ripened cherries, we go through six cycles of picking. This ensures a uniform taste compared to when a mix of green and red cherries is processed. Right processing can even control the acidity, bitterness and flavour of the coffee,” says Rishwin Devaya, of the Riverside Estate in Kodagu. He grows a mix of Robusta and Arabica varieties and has also recently been experimenting with intercropping Robusta and Arabica.
Single-origin coffee
Today, there is a growing demand for single-origin coffee, where the beans come from one specific source, such as a single farm or region.
“This is because the local climate, soil, surrounding vegetation, foliage, and even the fertiliser or manure used, all bear an impact on the flavour profile of the coffee bean. The post-harvest process is carried out in a controlled manner to achieve desired characteristics,” says Sandalkad Estate’s Shamveel Nizam, who runs a specialty café in Kodagu.
Specialty coffee should score over 80 out of 100 on 10 parameters, such as aroma, flavour, acidity, aftertaste, body, balance and uniformity. This is tested by the Coffee Board of India and is increasingly sought after.
“The higher the score, the higher the price. Our specialty coffee is sold at Rs 25,000 per kg in West Asia. We also offer customisation, as per the client’s preference,” says Shamveel.
A coffee plant blossomed with flowers
Cupping is another standardised method to evaluate coffee. Under this, professional cuppers smell and taste coffee to assess its body (mouthfeel), sweetness, acidity and flavour notes. The practice is used by roasters and importers to assess new coffee beans.
New trends
In recent years, young planters have been driving innovation. “Traditionally, coffee planters only sold dried cherries. To maximise returns, we should handle the post-harvest processes as much as possible,” says Rishwin, who does end-to-end processing. Coffee workshops, seminars and courses are crucial to take the game to the next level, he adds.
The Coffee Board is also supporting coffee production through involvement in replantation, water management, quality improvements in drying yards and warehouses. Organic/eco-certification is encouraged for estates producing organic coffee, helping them achieve higher returns. In addition, an Integrated Coffee Development Project is being implemented to support the overall growth of the coffee industry.
Coffee cherries.
“Specialty coffees with local narratives, wellness-oriented blends, consumer engagement, convenience coffee formats such as drip coffee pouches, home-brewing tools and marketing through e-commerce platforms are the new trends in coffee marketing,” says Pradeepa.
From misty plantations to global cafés, Kodagu’s coffee legacy continues to brew magic.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Dhanyata M Poovaiah / September 11th, 2025
Kodagu’s Aida Thimmaiah, a resident of Bengaluru, finished third in Girls 11 category at US Kids Golf World Championship – 2025 organised by US Kids Golf Foundation, which concluded at Pinehurst Village, North Carolina, on Aug. 2.
Competing in the Girls Age 11 category, Aida’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary.
After a challenging start on Day 1 with a score of +3, she stood in 27th position. Undeterred by the pressure, Aida staged a remarkable comeback on Day 2, shooting -4 and climbing an incredible 21 places to finish the day in 6th place.
On the final day, with grit and determination, Aida delivered her best round yet — a flawless -6, the lowest score of the day, propelling her into 3rd place overall among the world’s best young golfers.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Aida Thimmaiah, said, “It is an amazing and proud moment to represent India on a world stage. I feel very happy to have finished third in the world championship. I am very thankful to my coach Rahul Ganapathy at Golf Academy in Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), Bengaluru, my parents for their constant support and also my sponsors.”
The US Kids World Championship is one of the most competitive platforms for junior golfers, bringing together the most talented young athletes from around the world.
Aida Thimmaiah is the daughter of Ballachanda Den Thimmaiah and Sanjana Thimmaiah couple. Den is a native of Virajpet in Kodagu, now settled in Bengaluru. While Den Thimmaiah is into land development, his wife is a wedding planner.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / August 04th, 2025
Team Ibbani from Heggadihalli, Bengaluru Rural, defeated Team Appu Boys from Marasanahalli panchayat, Chikkaballapur Rural, to emerge as regional champions.
Team Black Panthers from Maragodu, Kodagu, aced the women’s throwball competition at Isha Gramotsavam. Credit: Special arrangement
Bengaluru:
Team Ibbani won the men’s volleyball and Team Black Panthers the women’s throwball events at the Karnataka regional finals of rural sports festival Isha Gramotsavam on Sunday.
Team Ibbani from Heggadihalli, Bengaluru Rural, defeated Team Appu Boys from Marasanahalli panchayat, Chikkaballapur Rural, to emerge as regional champions.
In women’s throwball, Team Black Panthers from Maragodu, Kodagu, overcame Team Shasthara Padumale (Kudla Strikers), from Badagannuru, Dakshina Kannada, to clinch the regional title.
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa and South Indian actress Srinidhi Shetty attended the event held at Sadhguru Sannidhi in Chikkaballapur.
The event featured men’s volleyball and women’s throwball competitions.
Eighteen men’s volleyball teams from nine districts and 16 women’s throwball teams from eight districts competed for their place in the grand finale to be held at Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore.
Launched by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsavam was envisioned to rekindle the spirit of rural India. The festival helps rural communities break free from addictions, rise above caste, creed and religious divisions, and actively supports women’s participation in community life.
Unlike professional tournaments, Gramotsavam provides rural citizens with a platform to play, compete, and celebrate the unifying power of sports and culture, according to a press release.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by DHNS / September 09th, 2025
Kottangada Dr. Pemmaiah, Indian Revenue Services (IRS – Income Tax), Deputy Director, Enforcement Directorate (ED), New Delhi, was felicitated by the Mysuru Kodava Samaja at the ‘Kailpodh Namme’ celebrations held at the Samaja premises in Vijayanagar First Stage this morning.
Picture shows a section of the audience.
Dr. Pemmaiah’s wife Lochan Pemmaiah, mother Kottangada Viju Devaiah (a social worker from Gonikoppa), Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Secretary Ketolira A. Belliappa, Joint Secretary Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah and Hon. Treasurer Ittira G. Kashiappa and other office-bearers were present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / September 07th, 2025
The actor will join hands with the director for Hello 123, which will have music by V Harikrishna.
Bhuvvaan Ponnanna, known for his antagonist roles in films like Just Math Mathalli, Kool, and Kuchiku Kuchiku, worked his way to playing the lead in Randhava. Now, after a break, he steps into the spotlight as a hero with the upcoming musical, Hello 123, directed by none other than Yogaraj Bhat. The film features music by V Harikrishna and is produced under the banner of Amrutha Cine Craft by Vijay Tata and Amrutha Vijay Tata.
“When I came to Bengaluru in 2007, Yogaraj Bhat’s name was everywhere,” Bhuvvaan recalls. “Every actor wanted to do a film with Bhatru. While I was playing villains, I always had this wish, much like senior actors wanted to work in Puttana Kanagal. I wanted to be part of Yogaraj Bhat’s world, as I loved the magic he had brought to actors like Ganesh or Diganth.”
The actor admits he took his time after his debut as a hero in Randhava. “Yogaraj Bhat doesn’t push stories onto actors; he works around them. He told me, ‘I will not match the story with the actor; I’d rather work on the story, and then see how the actor fits.’ He was very particular, always striking up conversations, understanding me—my background, my language, my flavour. After many discussions, he tailored the story to suit me.”
Bhuvvaan, who also has a theatre background and trained in filmmaking at a New York film university, calls working with Bhat a learning experience. “Despite my theatre experience, this is going to be like film school. The chance to work with a director like Yogaraj Bhat is rare, and I am ready to absorb every moment.”
Hello 123, launched with Harshika Poonacha and Bhuvvaan’s daughter Tridevi in attendance, promises a light-hearted journey of a musician rising from nothing to everything. “It’s a typical Yogaraj Bhat film,” Bhuvvaan says. “Music, love, drama, the essence of Malnad, quirky characters, and humour—everything is in there.”
Pre-production is underway, and shooting is expected to begin in October. Apart from Bhuvvaan, the director and music director, the rest of the cast and crew is yet to be finalised.
source: http://www.cinemaexpress.com / Cinema Express / Home> News / by A Sharadhaa / September 05th, 2025
Annual Kail-Poldh Festival get-together, Ayudha Puja, Sports and Games, Lucky Dip, honouring eminent Kodavas and distribution of Scholarship to meritorious children.
Enforcement Directorate (New Delhi) Deputy Director Dr. Kottangada Pemmaiah chief guest, Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy presides, Samaja Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, Secretary Ketolira A. Belliappa, Joint Secretary Ajjikuttira Diana Poovaiah and Hon. Treasurer Ittira G. Kashiappa will be present, Kodava Samaja premises, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, 10 am to 5 pm.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Events Tomorrow / September 06th, 2025
The pest has already been detected in several locations 29 acres in Chinalabudu gram panchayat, 29 acres in Malivalasa, 7 acres in Malasingaram, 5 acres in Chinalabudu, and 2 acres in Turaikiida.
Visakhapatnam:
“The coffee berry borer can be eradicated, but only with the active cooperation of farmers,” said District Water Management Agency (DWMA) project officer Dr Vidyasagar during an awareness programme in Pakanakuddi village of Araku Valley mandal on Friday.
The session urged growers to recognise the pest’s rapid spread and take immediate steps to contain it. Vidyasagar stressed that early detection is crucial: once the pest is identified, affected crops must be removed, boiled in hot water, and buried to prevent further infestation. Failure to act could cause a severe decline in coffee yields.
To assist farmers, the Coffee Board has announced compensation of Rs 50 per kilogram of infested coffee and Rs 5,000 per acre to cover burial and pest-control costs.
The pest has already been detected in several locations 29 acres in Chinalabudu gram panchayat, 29 acres in Malivalasa, 7 acres in Malasingaram, 5 acres in Chinalabudu, and 2 acres in Turaikiida. Officials will mark infected zones with red, yellow, and blue flags and will hold follow-up awareness sessions in these areas.
Coffee Board assistant director Bonju Babu and district agriculture officer S. B. S. Nanda also addressed farmers, underscoring that community vigilance and coordinated response are vital to safeguarding the region’s coffee economy.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Southern States> Andhra Pradesh / by DC Correspondent / September 05th, 2025
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