Udipi, July 22, 2013: A variety of mouth-watering dishes and the traditional game of “chenna mane” marked the “Aatidonji Dina” (a day in the month of ‘Aashada’) and “Ponjove Kuto” (women’s meet) organised by the Udupi Taluk Federation of Mahila Mandals (UTFMM), Women Consumers’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (WCMCS) and Tulu Siri Chavadi here on Saturday.

The dishes prepared included “Patrode”, “Pelkai Gatti”, “Chilimbida Adde”, “Menthe Ganji”, “Pundi”, “Arasina Yele Gatti”, “Huruli Chutney”, “Timire Chutney”, “Kadabu”, “Halasina Beejada Vade”, “Huruli Oggarne”, and “Nugge Soppina Vade”. A “Panaka” made out of pepper and jaggery was not just delicious but also soothing.

The food items were prepared by the members of UTFMM and WCMCS amid a packed audience at the WCMCS Hall.

President of UTFMM Sheela K. Shetty and president of WCMCS Harini Damodar also played the traditional game of “chenna mane” to the delight of the audience.

Inaugurating the programme, writer and coordinator of the PG Centre on Kannada at Tenkanidiyur Government First Grade College Niketana said that programmes such as “Aatidonji Dina” brought out the richness and diversity of the culture of Tulunadu. The programme also brought out the unique relationship between Kannada and Tulu languages, she said.

The culture of Tulunadu is rooted in agriculture. The dishes and the “kashaya” prepared during “Aati” have a therapeutic value. In spite of all economic progress, the month of “Aati” retains its significance, Dr. Niketana said, adding that the month brought people closer to nature.

Ancient Tulunadu followed the matrilineal system and women played a vital role in the Tulunadu culture, Dr. Niketana said. Ms. Damodar welcomed the gathering, while Ms. Shetty delivered the introductory remarks. Executive president of Tulu Siri Chavady Ishwar Chitpady presided over the function. Director of Santwana Sahayavani Vasanti Rao Koradkal, president of District Federation of Women's Association Sarala Kanchan and General Manager of Badagabettu Cooperative Society Jayakar Shetty Indrali were present.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 22, 2013.