India is a diverse country. We are rich in culture. Every state and city have different cultures, language, dressing, etc that we can learn from. And Mangalore is one such city with exemplary culture and celebration.
The Monsoon season, sees a heavy downpour every year and with that comes “Aati” or the “Ashada Month”, which is considered to be the month of nourishment. Due to the heavy rains during this month, one is bound to fall ill, hence the people here follow a diet that keeps them healthy, nourished and also builds their immunity. Aati usually comes in the months, July and August. It is also the time of the year when the farmers sow paddy in the field.
For many in Tulunadu, Aati is a forbidden month and events like weddings, property related dealings, etc are forbidden. While some may call this superstition, we should go back to history and understand that because Ashada is a month of heavy rainfall, the water bodies are over flowing and moving around becomes difficult. Another fact to keep in mind is that during these months there are no crops grown, which means the farmers do not have income enough to spend on various celebrations.
During Aati, the ‘Aati Kalenja Festival’ is celebrated, with the belief that with heavry downpour comes various diseases and the protector comes in the from of ‘Kalenja’. The people belonging to a tribe called ‘Nalike’ dressed as a ‘Kalenja’ and visited all the houses in the village. The Kalenja is given rice, coconut etc, and he in return blesses the household.
A variety of food is consumed during the month of Aati.
Pelatha gatti
Manjal iretha gatti
Eddemunchi kashaya
Timare chutney
Thajank
Kanile
Ambade
Menthe ganji
Patrode
Kottige
Halasinahannu appa, etc.
If you have not had the chance to relish these delicacies, make a quick trip to Mangaluru during the monsoons and enjoy the food and soak in the Tulunadu culture.