Pics By : Irshad M Venur

Article: Joshwa D’Souza

Krishna is fond of many delicacies. It is said that whatever we offer with great love, he accepts. Usually on Janmastami variety of sweets and other food items are offered to Lord Krishna , but one such exclusive dish called ” Moode which is made in Voli, which is nothing but a cup like looking cover made out of a leaf from the plant called Kedage.

This Moode Voli dish , cannot be found in anywhere in the world except in South Karnataka(Karavali region).It is believed by the people of Dakshina Kannada District that celebration of Krishana Janmastami is incomplete , if the Modu Krisha is not offered Modde made in Voli as a nevedhaya.

Now let’s have a Sneak-Peak at one of its kind Voli made exclusively Karavali

The makers Vinod ,Purushotham, Nagaraj  have given up their profession  and make voli during the Janmasthami season. These guys are basically from Polalai, Addur near Mangalore and taking part in the Janmasthami  celebration in this unique manner .

“Voli  in the Making “; from the Makers:

Firstly the leaves of the Kadage , which is full of thorns are cleaned, which is then immersed in water so that they become softer and moist and  are folded in a unique manner. Next they are unfolded and exposed to heat so that it loses the moisture absorbed.  Lastly they are drought into cup shapes with the help of Palm sticks and now they are ready to be used to make the Mode (i.e. idly batter will be filled in this Voli and then steamed).

In the market each voli cost Rs 10 , according to the makers it takes two to two and half minutes to make an Voli. In a season the average Volis they make per day is about 800.