The rich and vibrant culture of Tulunadu is at its best during Aati.
In fact, Aati is the name of a month in the Tulu calendar. Generally, during the Aati month, the districts witness heavy rain making it impossible to take up any agriculture activities. It is said that during the month, as it is raining, the chances are more to catch infection.
Therefore, measures are taken to prevent people from falling ill. Delicacies prepared during Aati help heal the body, provide nutrition and increase the immunity.
But the advent of modern medicine has helped the people to overcome infectious diseases. Folk games like Chennamane are played by the family members during the season. Due to change in lifestyle, people do not follow the food pattern practised by ancestors.
“Aati rekindles the spirit of traditions of Tulunadu. It gives an insight of how our ancestors lived in sync with nature,” said scholar and coordinator of Kannada PG Study Centre at Government First Grade College, Tenkanidiyoor, Niketana.
Aati is now being celebrated by organisations. Aatidonji Dina is a one-day programme organised in the month of Ashada across the undivided Dakshina Knnada district.
Union of Mahila Mandals in Udupi taluk in association with Mahila Grahakara Vividoddesha Sahakari Sangha and Tulu Siri Chavadi, Udupi, organised Aatidonji Dina on Saturday. Tulu delicacies like Pathrode, Pelakai Gatti, Kudutha Chatni, Pundi Chatni, Chilimbi Adde were served.
Under the joint auspices of Udupi unit of Yuva Vahini and Sri Narayana Guru Seva Samiti, Aatidonji Dina was celebrated at Sri Sharada Bhajana Mandir, Kemtoor on Sunday.
Tulu Scholar Gananath Ekkaru explained the importance of Aati. Practitioner of native medicine Bhaskar Poojary spoke.