Schoolchildren, outdoor enthusiasts revel in the joy of Aati at Pilikula

Mangaluru, Aug 9: Undeterred by light drizzle and cloudy skies, families and children thronged to 'Aati Koota 2015' organised by Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama on Sunday, to revel in the traditions and customs associated with the month of Aati observed during the monsoon season by the people of coastal Karnataka.

All through the day, several programmes and events were simultaneously organised in 'Guthumane' and beside Pilikula Zoo in the premises of Pilikula Nisargadhama in Moodushedde on the outskirts of the city.

Early visitors to 'Aati Koota' including women and school children had the chance to taste and savour homemade traditional Aati delicacies prepared by homemakers and women groups, at Guthumane. Traditional coastal dishes such as Pathrode, Suruli Pathrode, Mango Mambala, Timare (Brahmi) chutney, Jackfruit Papad, Jackfruit Gatti, Pundi, Bamboo curry, Guri Appa, Jackfruit Garige and others were served to the visitors as part of the celebration.

While the adults viewed the 'Talamaddale' performed by artists with visible interest, children and youngsters were enthralled with 'face painting' by local artists in the veranda of Guthumane. A couple of artists also performed Chikkamela Yakshagana for interested viewers.

Meanwhile, several competitions such as Aati Kalenja dress competition, Tulu folk singing competition and traditional Chenne Mane indoor game competition were held for visitors. There were traditional Aati Kalenja dances by two artist troupes for spectators.

Another popular attraction at the Aati Koota was plantation of paddy seedlings in the slushy paddy fields in front of Guthumane. Several children and youth were seen excitedly getting down in the muddy field and experiencing farming firsthand by leisurely planting the seedlings.

The Aati Koota at Pilikula was inaugurated by Chancellor of Nitte University Dr N Vinay Hegde on Sunday morning, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D'Souza, Zilla Panchayat CEO Sreevidya, former deputy commissioner Bharat Lal Meena, Dakshina Kannada district president of Kannada Sahitya Academy and several others.

Much to the delight of spectators, the dignitaries also planted paddy seedlings in the slushy field.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Mr Ibrahim said that Aati Koota was organised with the intention of reviving and observing the traditional customs and rituals associated with the traditional month of Aati in Tulunadu. Since the event has elicited a lot of visitors, the district administration will contemplate making it an annual event with additional attractions to ensure more visitors to Pilikula Nisargadhama. From the heritage perspective, organising such programmes will go a long way towards conserving the traditional customs and culture of Dakshina Kannada, he said.