Mangaluru: Dr. Gananath Shetty Ekkaru, a folk culture scholar, spoke at a seminar held as part of the 8th Community Mangaluru Conference. In his address, he emphasized the distinctive characteristics of folklore, including its ever-evolving oral tradition, open-ended concepts, connections with activism, and continuous adaptability. Unlike classical culture, folk culture does not conform to the same restrictions and is known to evolve in harmony with the lives of the people. The Janapada of Tulunadu serves as a prime example of this adaptability, with consistent rituals shared among all Tulu people.

It is imperative to preserve this folk heritage. The folklore of Tulunadu is distinctly separate from Vedic rituals and notably lacks any reference to the creation of Tulunadu by Parashurama in its stories or paddanas. Additionally, the narratives within the paddanas of Koti Chennayar, where it is suggested that the earth originated from the sun and moon, exhibit intriguing parallels with scientific concepts. When examining the tales of Koti Chennayya and Kordabbu Deity, one can discern a commitment to fostering social transformation. The folklore of Tulu Nadu encapsulates fundamental elements such as agricultural practices, non-Vedic traditions, and matrimonial systems. It is contended that in the present era, there is a  need to promote a folk faith that espouses a love for humanity.

During the event, Prof. Rajendra Udupa, serving as the President of Community Mangaluru, and Uday Gaonkar, holding the position of Joint Secretary at Community Karnataka, delivered speeches. The seminar was chaired by Vasudeva Uchil, who serves as the Vice President at Community Karnataka.