’Aati Kuta’ at Pilikula a taste of heritage for all

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 10,2015 : Students from St. Philomena College in Puttur were among many who enjoyed a host of activities that were held as a part of the ’Aati Kuta’  at the Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama.

Those associated with the Nisargadhama to organise the activities were the 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 huge crowd of  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 likeness  painted on his face, joined his friends in a tug of war held in the slush field adjoining the paddy field. Even DK  Deputy Commissioner Adoor.B. Ibrahim participated in the activities with enthusiasm.

A large number of children from Swaroopa Adhayana Kendra dressed up as Aati Kalinja,  a tradition for persons dressed in such costumes to visit houses to ward off diseases afflicting people during this season. On August 9,  ten  students of the kendra were dressed in the costumes made of flowers and coconut leaves.  Gurumurthy V.N. from the kendra informed that  students themselves were involved in making the costume.  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.