World Kundapura Kannada Day, established in 2019, honors the rich history, culture, and tradition embedded in the Kundapura Kannada dialect. This dialect, a form of Halegannada (Old Kannada), is cherished by people in and around Kundapura and has gained global recognition.
The celebration was initiated by Jana Seva Trust® from Moodugiliyar, aiming to showcase Kundapura Kannada as more than just a means of communication but a vital aspect of the community’s identity. The day is marked annually on Ashadha Amavasye, known as ‘Ati Amase’ or ‘Karkati Amase,’ which signifies the end of the paddy planting season and the peak of monsoon. This period is crucial in Kundapura, where the fields turn lush green, and it also aligns with Ayurvedic significance.
The celebration began with a symbolic gesture of pouring milk into the sea by A S N Hebbar, a prominent lawyer and orator, alongside local students. This act has spurred enthusiasm among the dialect’s speakers worldwide.
Today, the event is celebrated across Bengaluru, Uttara Kannada, Maharashtra, and even internationally in places like the USA, Australia, and the UAE. Festivities include cultural activities such as competitions, comedy, song, dance, and traditional Yakshagana performances, along with a feast of local cuisine.
Kundapura Kannada’s literary contributions are significant, with key figures like Jayaprakash Hegde and efforts by individuals like A S N Hebbar enhancing its status. The dialect has a rich vocabulary and its first dictionary was published in 2021.
Notable Kundaprians in various fields, from Bollywood to music and literature, continue to celebrate and promote this unique language. As Nagaratna Herle, a respected teacher and artist from Kundapura, notes, the celebration of World Kundapura Kannada Day not only preserves but also elevates the traditional language and cultural values in the modern era.