Mangalore : The rainy month of Aati (between July 16 to Aug 16) is a period of austerity, inauspicious in outlook, and happy ceremonies are with held or postponed in Tulunadu (from Kasaragod to Udupi) in this month. But farming activities thrive.

People remain indoors and have no extra income. Heavy rains bring water diseases, leading to more expenditure. Agriculture needs more spending on fertilizers, seeds, replanting labour etc. there are no marriage events, or new business enterprises in Aati. There are some practices unique to Tulunadu to be observed here, however.

People face heavy rains that disrupt normal human movements, and forest covers are not there now. They had to grow some eatable plants and specific medicinal type of diets to keep away diseases. They make dishes out of Eddemunchi (black pepper kashaya). Kudutha saar (soup of horsegram), Thimare Chatney (Brahmi leaves paste), Jack fruit (Rucha or Goonji), Mango, Pejakai and Challanaki curry, Thevu, Thajanka, Thetla, Kanile (bamboo shoots) in this special but forbidding month of uneasiness. They celebrate ‘One day in Aati’ and dance as ‘Aati Kalanja’.

New wed women go to parental homes, to avoid sex. It is a patient month of hope.