Mangalore : Many students have enjoyed with the host of activities that were held as a part of the Aati Kuta at the Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama here on Sunday August 9.

The event  organised by Nisargadhama in association with Department of Kannada and Culture, Tourism Department, Swaroopa Adyayana Kendra, Savayava Krishika Grahakara Balaga, Mahila Mandala Okkoota, Kalkura Foundation, Dakshina Kannada Philatelic and Numismatic Association, and the Rotary Club.

A good many people were seen getting their faces and hands painted with organic colours. A popular design was that of Nirup Bhandari, the hero of the recently released Kannada film RangiTaranga .

Mohammed Adil (14), who had the hero’s face painted on his face, joined his friends in a tug of war held in the slush field adjoining the paddy field. Even Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim participated in the activities with enthusiasm.

A large number of children from Swaroopa Adhayana Kendra dressed up as Aati Kalinja . It is a tradition for persons dressed in such costumes to visit houses to ward off diseases afflicting people during this season. On Sunday, 10 students of the kendra were dressed in the costumes made of flowers and coconut leaves. “Students themselves were involved in making the costume,” said Gurumurthy V.N. from the kendra.

Among the other activities included performance of Yakshagana Talamaddale and performance by the eight-member Shri Durgaparameshwari Ammanavara Krupapooshita Chikkamela.

People relished traditional dishes at the Guttinamane and at the row of stalls opposite to the Pilikula Biological Park.