Muscat: The Oman based youth group ‘Biruva Javaner Muscat’ celebrated first-ever ‘Aatid Onji Dina’ (A day of Aati) in Oman with a full day programme on August 10 at the Barka Farm House.
A large number of Mangalorean expatriates flocked to the venue to celebrate the month of ‘Aati’ and the place reverberated with the aura of Tulu heritage. The venue, the entrance arch, and stage were brought alive with Tulu style decoration such as rangoli, siri leaves, face masks etc. The guests were welcomed with traditional ‘Poorna Kumba’welcome. The delicious lunch comprised of traditional homemade dishes specially prepared by the lady members.
The chief guest and other dignitaries were accorded traditional ‘veelya’ (betel leaves and areca nut), shawl and ‘muttale’ (areca spathe caps) as a mark of honour. Children of the members set the tone for the programme with a prayer. Ravi Katapadi, a social worker hailing from Katapadi near Udupi was specially invited to Muscat as a guest of honor for the function. Despite his humble personal life, Ravi Katapadi had made himself a hero by undertaking fundraising to help poor children with medical disorders. He had become famous for wearing the looks of Krampus, a character from the Hollywood movie Krampus, to help with his fundraising drive. He was especially honoured by ‘Biruva Javaner Muscat’ in recognition of his philanthropic spirit during the function.
‘Biruva Javaner Muscat’ is a small group of friends who are dedicated to the service of the poor people. Its activities include health care and medical services for the sick, poor children’s education, welfare activities for poor girl children, blood donation camp etc. It has made a small effort to fulfill the wishes of poor people and wipe their tears. The ‘Aatid Onji Dina’ programme was organized to familiarise the next generation of the community to the rich heritage of Tulu culture.
The main objective was to stimulate discussion regarding how to carry forward the Tulu culture and traditions observed by the community elders and ancestors in the modern era. The various speakers suggested how ‘Biruva Javaner Muscat’ should become a model service organization and how, through its activities, it can mould the youth with the guidance of the elders. Members of ‘Biruva Javaner Muscat’ sought the cooperation from everyone for the purpose. There were talks on different aspects of the cultural significance of Aati and associated traditions.
As many as 63 lady members of ‘Biruva Javaner Muscat’ masterfully prepared 35 seasonal delicacies of Aati for lunch. The dishes included pathrode, horse gram chutney, uppad pacchil, metheda ganji, appa and neer pundi. Lunch was followed by a cultural programme and sports competitions. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks.
