Arts, Culture & Entertainment – Page 4

Mangaluru: Udupi’s Samantha Mascarenhas wins MCC Bank Ltd ‘Jigibigi Taram’

The grand finale of Daijiworld 24×7 TV’s first-ever children’s singing reality show organised by MCC Bank Ltd ‘Jigibigi Taram’ was held at Don Bosco Hall here on Sunday October 2.

The special entertainment programme of around 2 hours duration was witnessed by a huge crowd. Going by their response, they enjoyed every moment of it.

The show was mainly dedicated to two live rounds of Jigibigi Taram. Samantha Mascarenhas from Udupi won the top prize of MCC Bank Ltd ‘Jigibigi Taram’ with a trophy and cash prize of Rs 50,000 while Ishney Fernandes from Kemmannu bagged the runner-up spot of the show with a trophy and cash prize of Rs 30,000. Ashna D’Souza Ferar, Rishel Melba Crasta Kulshekar, Aldrin Pinto Kadri and Melona Saldanha Bajpe were the other finalists.

Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank Ltd and Stany Bela, the director of the show honoured the winners with the trophies and prize money.

Lauding the efforts of Daijiworld TV in Jigibigi Taram reality show, Anil Lobo said, “The eight-month long show created a history in the Konkani entertainment world. Because of this show, we got a number of singing talents who will rule the music world in future. I can say all six finalists were the winners of the show because they have immense potential. MCC Bank always stood for the side of talents from the Konkani community. With the association of Daijiworld TV and other organizations, we regularly support our talents. At the same time, the bank helps the generation with financial assistance for their good future. I request youngsters to utilize the benefits which the bank provides especially the education loan and financial assistance for start-ups. Once again, I congratulate all the finalists and audience who have gathered here to support the finalists.”

Thanking the MCC bank Ltd, the parents of the children, Melwyn Rodrigues, director operations, Daijiworld said, “We are grateful to MCC Bank for their immense support to the show ‘Jigibigi Taram’. They showed a way for budding stars in the music field to reach heights. Meanwhile, their parents also sacrificed many things for the betterment of their children. They trained them and nourished them to reach a goal. I congratulate them all. They also have won the show. I want to thank our management and technical team who worked behind this show. I congratulate all finalists and wish them a good future.”

Anil Lobo also honoured the judges with mementos for their support and guidance throughout the journey of ‘Jigibigi Taram’.

Kishoo Barkur, director, Daijiworld Udupi and Praveen Tauro, marketing manager, Daijiworld honoured the directors of MCC Bank Ltd.

Known TV host Komal Jenifer D’Souza compered the event in her own classic way which was appreciated by the audience. The show will be aired on Daijiworld on Friday October 7.

President presents award to Naadada Navaneeta director, producer

President Droupadi Murmu presented the Rajat Kamal Award for the documentary film ‘Naadada Navaneeta Pandit Dr. Venatesh Kumar’, produced by the Department of Information and Public Relations and directed by Girish Kasaravalli, at a function held at Vignan Bhavan, on Friday evening.

The Karnataka Department of Information and Public Relations Joint Director D.P. Muralidhar received the award on behalf of the department as producer, and Mr. Kasavalli as director, said a press release.

The film has been adjudged the best art and culture film in the non-feature film category at the 68th National Film Awards for 2020. The award consists of a cash component of ₹50,000 each for the producer and the director.

Belagavi wakes up to Navaratri special — Durga Mata Doud

The proportion of girls and women participating in the event is increasing every year. The event is non-competitive, and the runners are accompanied by music and dance troupes performing along the way. It has had its share of controversies too, given its association with Hindutva organisations

Vaidehi Solapurkar got up before sunrise and got dressed to go for a run. The dress however, is not the running gear with loose fitting T-shirt and track pants. It is a white chudidar, a saffron shawl and a turban.

“It is Durga Mata Doud (run). It is different. You could call it a cultural marathon,” says Vaidehi. The young lawyer has been participating in the event for five years. “The run is held on all nine days of Navaratri in different areas of Belagavi. I try to participate wherever I can. It is refreshing. It reminds me of our glorious past and the valour of kings like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,’’ she says.

Rashmi Kanabargi, a resident of Wadagaon in the old city who is a part of the Dhol Tasha band, says, “I am happy that the run has resumed after three years of COVID-19. I have participated in all the doud on all routes this year. I have introduced several of my friends to the run this year,” she says. This year, the doud started on September 26 and will end on October 5.

They are among the hundreds of girls and boys who join the run in white and saffron. Those who play musical instruments join the band. The runners are called Dharkaris, the Marathi term for ‘warrior’. This is reminiscent of Warkaris, or devotees, who participate in a fortnight-long padayatra to the Vithal temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. As the word ‘Dharkari’ suggests, it has a more strident Hindutva overtone. It is actively promoted by Hindutva groups.

“The doud started a few years ago, and was held only on the main road for the first few years. Its success prompted organisers to hold it in various locations in Belagavi,” said Shivaji Salunke, one of the organisers. He points out that the proportion of girls and women participating in the event is increasing every year. The event is non-competitive and the runners are accompanied by music and dance troupes performing along the way.

Ramakant Konduskar, Sri Ram Sena Hindustan leader, said the run is spreading to other towns and villages. “For many years, only Belagavi organised the run. Now, there are similar events in Gokak, Hukkeri, Chikkodi and Bailhongal. By next year, the number of places will increase,” he said. He claims it is a non-political event and that BJP, Congress, NCP, MES and JD(S) activists participate in the event.

Origin of Durga Mata Doud and controversy

The doud was conceived by Manohar ‘Sambhaji’ Bhide, founder of Shiv Pratishtan Hindustan, a Pune-based Hindutva organisation. He was accused of inciting violence after the Bhima Koregaon protest. The charges were dropped later. Mr. Bhide started the doud in Pune in 1984. Now, it has spread to other States. The event was held in Udupi for a day this year.

The doud routes cover the entire city, including some Muslim-dominated areas. Heavy police security is provided in these areas. It is not uncommon to see police personnel run along with the Dharkaris. Some police officers say Hindutva groups are trying to push a communal agenda in the garb of a cultural event.

This year, some men tread on cloth that had the colours of Pakistan’s flag during the run in Maratha Colony, Belagavi. Some persons had put the cloth along with the rangoli and floral decorations on the road that the runners were to take. Police rushed to the spot and removed the cloth.

History Created In Mysuru As Droupadi Murmu Becomes First President To Open Dasara

“Mysuru Dasara is a proud symbol of India’s cultural heritage”

Mysore/Mysuru: History was created in Mysuru atop Chamundi Hill this morning as President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Dasara-2022 by showering flower petals on the decked-up idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari placed on a silver chariot. She became the first President to declare open the grand 10-day festivities.

In the past, the Presidents and Vice-Presidents have inaugurated the Jumboo Savari. Today’s Mysuru visit created another history as it was Droupadi Murmu’s first State visit after assuming the Office of India’s First Citizen. Her flight directly landed at the Mysore Airport from New Delhi. Though the VVIP visit was for over two hours only, it became significant considering the firsts achieved by it.

Stringent protocol

The inauguration time was specified between 9.45 am and 10.05 am in the Vruschika Lagna. However, the inauguration took place three minutes later due to the stringent protocols to be followed and also the tight security accorded to the country’s First Citizen by the President’s Body Guards (PBG). Before the inauguration, the President visited the sanctum sanctorum of the Chamundeshwari Temple and offered her prayers.

As per the protocol, the President arrived on the stage last, after all the other dignitaries were seated. Before the President’s arrival, an officer-in-charge of security walked onto the stage and sought information from the event managers about the number of people on the dais. He examined the silver chariot where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was placed and even examined the lamp that will be lit by the President as part of the inauguration.

Ascending the stage, the President directly walked to her chair and greeted the audience with folded hands as a bodyguard stood behind her with full alertness.

The National Anthem (by the Police Band) and the Naadageethe were played. Later, the President walked toward the silver chariot and performed the inauguration rituals.

Mahishasuramardini Alankara

The Goddess was decorated in the form of Mahishasuramardini and a green saree was draped on her. A mangalasutra and gold jewellery were put on the Goddess.

Accompanying the President were Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shobha Karandlaje, Kannada and Culture Minister V. Sunil Kumar and District Minister S.T. Somashekar.

As the President lit the ceremonial lamp, the mantras were chanted by Chief Priest of the Temple Dr. Shashishekar Dixit. The Chief Priest later offered flower petals to the guests to shower on the Goddess. After the inauguration, the President obliged to a team of photographers and posed for a photograph with the guests.

Though Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda was to preside over the event, he had to be seated in the front row due to protocol restrictions. Even Mayor Shivakumar, Mysuru’s First Citizen, did not get a chance to be with the President on stage.

The President’s Office had fixed the number of people on the stage at 13 and the number was reduced to seven later. As such, many dignitaries had to be seated off the stage.

Red carpet was rolled from the President’s cavalcade parking venue to the Temple premises and the President walked in a brisk pace with her bodyguards running ahead of her. The Hill Temple was closed for public and it was opened only after the President and other guests left the Hill.

som

You have honoured all daughters of India: President tells Hubballi Dharwad

President of India Droupadi Murmu was accorded civic honour by Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation(HDMC) on September 26

President of India Droupadi Murmu, who was accorded civic honour by Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation(HDMC) on September 26, termed the honour as ‘an honour to all the daughters of the nation’.

The President said, “By honouring a person like me, who comes from a humble background, you have honoured all the daughters of the nation.” The audience responded with a huge round of applause.

Earlier, the President was accorded ‘poura sanmana’ (civic honour) by Hubballi Dharwad Mayor Iresh Anchatageri, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in the presence of Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, former chief minister Jagadish Shettar and other MLAs.

The President began her speech by recollecting the contribution of the twin cities of Hubballi Dharwad to the field of education and music. She said that she was very happy to be in Hubballi Dharwad, which had great cultural significance and are known as ‘Vidya Kashi’ (the Kashi of education).

Referring to the history of the region and contribution of Hubballi Dharwad to the field of art, culture, education and also the freedom struggle, she recalled the names of Kittur queen Chennamma and Baba Sahib of Naragund. She also cited legendary vocalists Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru and Gangubai Hangal, and their contribution to the field of music.

The President said that she would like to congratulate the people of Hubballi Dharwad as they were living in twin cities, which contribute immensely to Karnataka and the nation. She said the people of the twin cities had not forgotten their roots and culture while embracing technology. “You have not forgotten history while embracing science for development,” she said.

‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Recalling the contribution of freedom fighters from north Karnataka, she said that the country is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, and by the time it celebrates 100 years of independence, it would be ‘developed’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’.

Earlier, welcoming the dignitaries, Mayor Iresh Anchatageri briefed them about the region and twin cities. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi referred to the contribution of the region to music, literature and education. Of the eight Jnanpeeth award winners from Karnataka, five are from Dharwad, known as the land of literature and music, he said.

The Union Minister also briefed the audience about the life of President Droupadi Murmu and elaborated on how, coming from a humble tribal family, she became an elected representative and rose to the position of President of India.

Karnataka Ministers Halappa Achar and Shankar Patil Munenakoppa, MLAs Prasad Abbayya, Arvind Bellad and Amrut Desai were among those who attended the event.

Neev Literature Festival 2022: Roopa Pai, Anushka Ravishankar, and Paro Anand among the authors line-up

The festival will be held at the Neev Academy Campus, Bengaluru, on September 24 and 25

The annual Neev Literature Festival (NLF), which celebrates children’s books, will be back physically after being online for the last two years due to the pandemic. The festival in Bengaluru will be held at the Neev Academy Campus, Yemalur, on September 24 and 25.

The theme for this year’s festival, ‘Reading takes you places’, according to the organisers, focuses on the power of books to set one free to experience new places – real and imaginary – and explore various cultural perspectives.

The festival will host a myriad events with noted authors, librarians, award–winning filmmakers, and storytellers discussing and interacting with the audience on a plethora of topics. It features over 92 sessions with over 60 speakers enlightening young minds on topics ranging from climate change to writing from conflict zones.

Roopa Pai, Anushka Ravishankar, Paro Anand, Jane De Suza, Samina Mishra, Venita Coelho, Shabnam Minawalla, Sandhya Rao, Bijal Vaccharajani, Arundhati Venkatesh, and Menaka Raman are among the speakers

Attendees can also check out a curated marketplace of books for readers of all ages.

The festival also will release a report, ‘State of Indian Children’s Writing’, which talks about how the children’s book market is small and dominated by Western titles. “The profession of children’s writing must also become more financially sustainable in India,” says Kavita Gupta Sabharwal, co-founder and curator of the festival.

“The Neev Literature Festival in its sixth edition aims to evangelise the power of reading for lifelong learning, and the power of Indian stories for building identity,” she adds, “With changing family structures and constant digital invasion, children’s books are now the literary mirrors, and windows to the whole world of possibility. Indian books, meanwhile, focussed on personal chronology, mythology and folk tales are wonderful, but must also convey the Ideas of India@75 and the hopes of India@100.”

On the first day, the jury members of the Neev Book Award will announce the winners in all the four categories: Early Years (5-7 years), Emerging Readers (6-8 years), Junior Readers (9-12 years), and Young Adult (13-18 years).

Udupi: Feast of Mackerel, Milk Shark fish in coastal districts

Mackerel, which is one of the most sought after fish in the coastal districts by pescatarians, is available in plenty these days. It is being sold at a throwaway price. People are stocking them in refrigerators for future use as well.

Two days ago 50 mackerels were sold for Rs 100. Two fish were being bought for Rs 100 during June and July.

Due to inclement weather in the deep sea even during the beginning of the fishing season most of the fish swam close to the beach and even traditional fishermen were having a feast time.

Another fish that is available in abundance is Milk shark. A few days ago sardines had fallen in tonnes on the Thottam beach. Now it is the turn of Milk sharks. These fish weigh two to three kilos and are sold at Rs 280 a kilo. Most of it is exported to Kerala also.

Milk Sharks are mostly located near huge rocks in the sea beaches of little inside sea. Fins, tail and ear of these fishes are in great demand. They are cut at the port itself and kept separately for export after drying in sun. This is used in making medicines.

On the whole fish lovers of coastal districts are having a feast time. The arrival Navaratri has also contributed to the reduction in fish prices as most of the Hindus do not eat fish during this period.

Mangaluru: Sangeet Visharada Roshan Martis to be felicitated at Kalangan

Music scholar and trainer Roshan Francis Martis, Kadri has been selected for the felicitation on International Music Day 2022 by Mandd Sobhann and Sumel music team. He will be felicitated during the 250th repertory programme at Kalangann on October 2.

Martis secured Sangeeth Visharada degree in Hindustani classical music in 1994. He has left his stamp as a music teacher, author and music performer. He started ‘Sur Rang’ music school at Kadri and has been training students.

He has trained students at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, NITK Surathkal, Padua and Alvas institutes. He has held music programmes in India and abroad. His music and art performance reviews have been published in newspapers.

Martis has also participated as a judge in ‘Jigibigi Taran’ of Daijiworld TV, ‘Duet singing star’ TV reality shows and other music competitions held by the government and private organizations.

He has been selected for the honour considering his valuable contribution to the music sector. ‘Novin Motyan’, a music concert based on his newly created songs will be held in the 250th monthly repertory.

The organizers said that the programme will begin at 6.30 PM. Entry is free.

Restore Heritage Structures Says Royal Descendant Of Vijayanagar

Exclusive interview with Krishna Devaraya of Anegundi Samsthanam

Krishna Devaraya is the 19th descendant of Anegundi Samsthanam and Vijayanagar rulers from the Aravidu dynasty. He has done enormous conservation work to ensure that future generations are made aware of royal traditions, culture and legends. One of his exemplary works was to restore the 250-year-old dilapidated Heere Deewan Mansion at Anegundi in Hospet Taluk. This Mansion has now been restored to its original splendour, thanks to his passion and firm resolve to restore heritage. Krishna Devaraya was in Mysuru recently to inaugurate the dolls exhibition organised by Ramsons Kala Pratishtana as part of Dasara festivities. Star of Mysore spoke to him about the glory of Dasara and also the importance of heritage. Excerpts:

Star of Mysore (SOM): Can you tell us about Dasara celebrations in Vijayanagar Empire? We have heard a lot about the Mahanavami Dibba. How is Dasara celebrated there now and on what scale?

Krishna Devaraya: Dasara at the Mahanavami Dibba was perhaps the grandest celebration in mediaeval India in terms of pomp and splendour. Every traveller describes it in great detail — especially about it being a grand spectacle which was unparalleled. At present, there is no public festival of Dasara at the Mahanavami Dibba. Though it is wished that the Dibba be used for its main purpose in the future — the celebration of Dasara. In Anegundi, the celebration of Dasara still continues on a very small scale.

SOM: How do you see the Dasara celebrations of the Government when compared to the grandeur, pomp and glory of the Dasara of the Kings and Queens?

Krishna Devaraya: The primary difference is the nature of the festival. The royal Dasara used to be a religious affair whereas Dasara is mostly a secular affair now with the head of the State not performing any major ritual worship of Devi. Also, earlier Dasara used to involve various games related to physical prowess — wrestling, archery, etc., and was a place for the men to display their achievements.

It has lost the ‘vira’ component almost completely now. Garadi Manes used to train wrestlers, especially for wrestling competitions during Dasara. Today, the Garadi Manes themselves are going into oblivion due to a lack of patronage. Whereas the Royal Dasara was about worship of Devi and patronage for various traditional artists, sports, etc., the Government celebration is more about a spectacle for tourist consumption.

SOM: Is there any major difference between the Dasara celebrations of Vijayanagar rulers and Mysore Wadiyars?

Krishna Devaraya: On the ritual front, they are one and the same. Dasara celebration was earlier restricted to the independent emperor in Southern India. As per shastras, worshipping Devi in this fashion in Sharad Navaratri is akin to performing an Ashvamedha yajna. The emperor used to perform the Dasara festival and his vassals would visit him to pay homage.

Also, seemollaanghana (cros-sing one’s border) to attack the enemy used to be done after Dasara celebrations. When Mysore Samsthana started their own Dasara, it was done to show that they have become independent rulers on their own after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. The rituals were followed rigorously. Only the scale of the celebration would be smaller as Mysore was but a fraction of the size of the erstwhile Vijayanagar Empire.

SOM: Does the royal family of Vijayanagar have any connection with the royal family of Mysore Wadiyars? If so, can you elaborate?

Krishna Devaraya: There are no marital relations with the Mysore family as far as I know. It is stated that the ruler of Srirangapatna was the father-in-law of Sri Krishna Raya and was given a position of pride during Dasara festivities — said so by Domingo Paes, who was a traveller from Portuguese India. But no other such relationship is mentioned after that generation.

SOM: You are the 19th descendant of Anegundi Samsthanam and Vijayanagar rulers and you have restored the Heere Deewan Mansion to its original splendour. This is a much-appreciated step at a time when of late people are forgetting their heritage. What do you have to say when it comes to preserving our heritage?

Krishna Devaraya: Firstly, heritage should not be destroyed. We have seen how the 1,000-pillared mandapa in Tirumala was destroyed by the Government in the name of development. If you cannot maintain something, at the very least, do not destroy it. Secondly, the budget allocation for the preservation of heritage in India is very low compared to the number of heritage structures we have.

som

Mangaluru: The man who prepares the hides for Dasara Tiger dancers

The Dasara celebration in Dakshina Kannada is a few days away and the tiger dance is an integral part of the festivities. Tiger dance is the culture of the coastal belt exhibited during Dasara. Compared to earlier days, the tiger dance troupes are on the rise in the district especially in Mangaluru. In Mangaluru alone, up to 100 troupes are there who perform tiger dance during Dasara celebration.

There are numerous people’s struggles behind every tiger dance troupe to be successful during theDasara celebration. Meanwhile, as a preparation for the celebrations, a tailor named Vishwanath is stitching short trousers for tiger dance troupes during Dasara. Vishwanath has been involved in this profession for 30 years and has an experience of over 35 years in the tailoring profession.

Vishwanath hails from Alape and owns Sunil Tailors at Car street near Ramakanthi theatre. Tailoring was taught to him by his master Raghavendra. After the master passed away, he took up this profession and started stitching short trousers for tiger dance troupes in Mangaluru.

Vishwanath says, “During the initial days of my profession, only two-three tiger dance troupes existed which included Kalicharan Friends and Shiva Friends. Today it has increased to about 40-50 tiger dance troupes, each with a team of 50 members.

“I start stitching short trousers 15 days prior to Dasara when every member of tiger dance troupes comes to shop and gives their measurements. The present condition is that I have sleepless nights. The cloth cutting will be done till 2 AM and I wake up at 4 AM again to get back to stitching the short trousers. I have six additional tailors in different places with whom I share the cloth cutting job and also velvet material for stitching. Generally, no one is ready to take the responsibility of cutting the cloth material as I have to do it by myself and it’s a big commitment to handover short trousers to the tiger dance troupes within the deadline during Dasara celebrations. Biruver Kudla Tiger Dance Troupe is one of the biggest troupes this year with over 100 members in it,” says Vishwanath.