Mangalore: Billava Seva Samaj of Kankanady organized an “Aatida Nempu” festival, to revive Tulunadu traditions of remembering /observing the month of heavy rain fall of Aati as “memories”, at Sarvamangala hall on July 31, Sunday afternoon at 4pm in city.
The programme was conducted conservative style with Tulu rituals, practices, and bringing of Aati Kalenja (traditional demon dances)on stage. It is performed by Nalke community in Aati season only. There was a humorous short play on Koti Chennaya,and a female role, on stage.
An interesting folk dance was shown among other cultural shows of the coast.
37 different forms /tastes of dishes were prepared by ladies on the occasion, such as Tender bamboo with green gram sprouts cooked, Nookadde, Kanchala Ambade chatni, Yellow leaves Gatti(sweet),Ptrode,Moode,Kottige, and other such items. Jackfruit Happalam (pancakes), Ole bella (jaggery), and pottu kapi were also served to guests/invitees.
In a quiz session called ‘Aatida Savaal’, winners were given cash prizes.
Mohan Padil, Samaj President,welcomed the gathering. Akashvani announcer Mudu Moodubelle, Chittaranjan Garodi,Zonal chief, and Dayananda Kukkaje, a photo-journalist were main guests, who inaugurated the event in a traditional way.
There were Six societies of Billava people from Kankanady, Maroli, Alake, Jeppu,Kannur, and Bajal. Former Samaj presidents, and General Secretary Chittaranjan Bolar, were present on this grand happening.