TULUVERE AATI CELEBRATION SHOWCASES THE RICH TRADITIONS OF TULUNADU
Jai Tulunad (R.) Odipu Unit organised “Tuluvere Aati” on 26 July 2026 at Shree Narayana Guru Sabha Bhavana, Bananje, Udupi, celebrating the cultural significance of the Aati season in Tulunadu. The program was presided over by Santhosh N. S. Katpady, President of Jai Tulunad (R.) Odipu Unit.
The program was graced by distinguished guests, including Akash Raj Jain of the Alupa lineage, who spoke about the historical significance of the Alupa dynasty, the traditions associated with Aati, and the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu. Other guests included Ashwath Tuluve, President of Jai Tulunad (R.) Central Committee, and Sadashiva Mudradi, one of the founders of Jai Tulunad (R.).
The event commenced with Anirudh rendering the Tulunada Geethe. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Nithish S. A. Korangrapady. Prajnashree M. Kodavoor, Secretary of the Odipu Unit, delivered the Prastavika, highlighting the vision, activities, and achievements of Jai Tulunad. The program was traditionally inaugurated by the dignitaries through the symbolic act of placing grains into a Bisugallu (traditional stone grinder), signifying prosperity and abundance. During the welcome ceremony, guests were honoured with the Jai Tulunad shawl and traditional offerings of Bacchire Bajjai and Valebella.
Sharath Kodavoor, one of the founders of Jai Tulunad and Vice President of the Bengaluru Unit, invited everyone to participate in the upcoming “Tulunada Aati” celebration scheduled to be held in Bengaluru on 9 August 2026. Addressing the gathering, Santhosh N. S. Katpady emphasized the importance of speaking Tulu in daily life and encouraged people to avoid unnecessarily mixing other languages while conversing in Tulu.
The occasion also witnessed the distribution of certificates to successful candidates of the Tulu Lipi Examination and to Tulu Lipi teachers for their contribution towards the promotion of Tulu script. Prasad Raj Kanchan, proprietor of Kanchan Hyundai, attended the event and appreciated the efforts of Jai Tulunad in preserving and promoting Tulu language, script, and culture.
Following the stage program, several traditional games associated with Tulunadu were organized, including Tarayida Gobbu, Chennamane, Pokku, Gunda Kattuni, Purpada Nadudu Pattuni, and Olita Gobbu. Winners were presented with prizes in recognition of their participation and performance. As a token of appreciation, mementos were presented to the guests and presidents of various Jai Tulunad units.
The program concluded with a special Aati-themed traditional meal, lovingly prepared and served by members of the Odipu Unit, offering participants an authentic experience of Tulunadu's culinary heritage. The event successfully brought together people of all ages to celebrate, preserve, and promote the unique traditions and cultural identity of Tulunadu.