Sun does not peep,
Clouds never play hide and seek,
Playful children run towards a nearby creek,
No place to hide for the sick and the weak,
Water levels in rivers reach the peak!
This is the usual scenario when it rains heavily in coastal and interior hilly regions of the state. The foggy weather does not even allow restless youth to wave at a neighborhood girl looking through the window. Fire place within, warm pullovers and blankets, few alcoholic drinks helps many to feel normal, but it’s the food that makes people dance when they listen to the rhythm of the falling rain.
Many food fests are held during this ‘aatid onji dina’ season in the coastal region. Recently, food fests were held at Sullia organised by Shivalli Sampanna in the Brahmin guest house near junior college and the other in Udupi at Amanni Ramanna Shetty hall. Household woman get an opportunity to showcase their individual cooking talent and become culinary experts.
The traditional food spread was such that even the best of hotels will not have these dishes in their menu.
The menu contained ‘pelakayida mulka’, ‘kudutha chutney’, ‘pathrode’, ‘chilimbi adde’, ‘pelakayida gatti’, ‘majoltha iretha gatti’, ‘saar nadye’, ‘niruppada kukkuda chutney’, ‘kese chutney’, ‘pundi gasi’, ‘uppad pachir palla’, ‘tevu, padpe, tauthe’ (cucumber), ‘tojank playa’, ‘tojankvade’, ‘uppad’, ‘ale’, ‘pejakai’, ‘padengi gasi’, ‘arepda pundi’, ‘thimare chutney’, ‘tarayida chutney’, ‘thevu thetla’, ‘paradi payasa’, ‘kanasi gasi’, ‘pelakai pacchir’ and the list goes on.
The ingredients include different flours, grated coconut, jack fruit arils, potatoes, banana, special natural herbs and leaves (available only during rainy season), root vegetables and many more.
While some of the items are fried, some are baked. Some are stuffed and a few are garnished. Some are spicy and the rest are sweet, sour or a combination of both, wonderfully presented in plantain leaves. Sumptuous and mouth watering in all!
The joy and the camaraderie associated with the event in families and women groups, add up to the taste. Men play a supportive role and give the finishing touches if required.
The celebration continues with singing and sometimes dancing. The elderly play a significant role by giving vital tips and relish the beautiful moments, than the dishes.
To sum up, it’s a wonderful experience for all those who are part of the celebrations. Prizes are given away at the end for the best dishes judged by renowned culinary experts and certificates/mementos for all participants.
For the rest, there’s always one next time!
