Essence & Celebration of World Kundapura Kannada Day

  •   Sat, Aug 03 2024
  •   By Yajusha

August 3, 2024

A language is not just a means of communication; it encompasses the rich history and culture of the land along with the way of life of its people. This idea led to the inception of Vishwa Kundapura Kannada Day (World Kundapura Kannada Day) in 2019.

Kundapura Kannada is considered a dialect of Halegannada (Old Kannada) as it retains certain aspects of the former. This unique dialect, spoken by people in and around Kundapura, is cherished by native speakers spread across three taluks from Brahmavar to Shirur, as well as in every nook and corner of the world. People have been celebrating Kundapura Kannada Day for the past five years to honor their love for their language and culture.

The idea to celebrate Kundapura Kannada Day was initially proposed by Jana Seva Trust®, Moodugiliyar. World Kundapura Kannada Day aims to show the world that a language used for humor is also the lifeline of Kundaprians. Through social media groups, a logo was created with the attractive tagline ‘Bashi alla badk’ (not just a language but a lifeline). The initiative was launched by pouring milk into the sea by A S N Hebbar, a lawyer, writer, and orator, along with students of a nearby college at Kota Padukere. This small yet significant practice has sparked enthusiasm among Kundapura Kannada speakers.

The celebration has always been closely tied to the language and culture. Every year, World Kundapura Kannada Day is observed on Ashadha Amavasye, popularly known as 'Ati Amase' or 'Karkati Amase' in Kundapura Kannada. This day holds immense significance in the life and culture of the people of Kundapura, marking the end of paddy planting season and the peak of the monsoon. The fields turn lush green, and it is a time of rest for the farmers and their buffaloes. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this day is also significant as it marks the time when the rains start to decrease. This historic, traditional, and cultural importance led to the choice of Ashada Amavase as the day to celebrate World Kundapura Kannada Day.

Today, the celebration has spread globally. People living in Bengaluru, Uttara Kannada, Maharashtra, and other parts of India, as well as those in foreign countries like the USA, Australia, and the UAE, celebrate the day with great respect and joy. Various competitions, comedy, song, dance, drama, Yakshagana, and other cultural activities, combined with delicious cuisine, make it a merry feast.

Along with a strong cultural and traditional history, Kundapura Kannada's contribution to literature adds to its glory. Jayaprakash Hegde, former MLA of the region, played a key role in setting up the Kundapura Kannada Adhyayana Peetha at Mangalore University. Grant-in-aids have also been given by the government. From K. Shivaram Karanth and Janaki Srinivasa Murthy (Vaidehi) to Rekha V. Bannadi and Korgi Shankarnarayana Upadhyaya, Kundapura literature has always flourished. Kundapura Kannada has its own rich vocabulary and its first dictionary was published in 2021. Efforts by individuals like A S N Hebbar, Panju Gangolli, and Prof A V Navada, among others, have preserved the dignity of this precious language and spread the fragrance and beauty of its rich tradition and culture worldwide.

Often referred to as the cultural hub of Karnataka, the art forms in coastal regions are an integral part of the social fabric. Notable Kundaprians, such as Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Sandalwood actors like Kashinath, Upendra, Rishab Shetty, and Pramod Shetty, poets like Gopal Krishna Adiga, music composer and director Ravi Basrur, cartoonist Satish Acharya, and freedom fighters like Halsnaad Soorayappyya and Krishnaraya Kodgi, have filled the motherland with pride through their extraordinary works.

Kundapura, a land with an incredible history, abundant culture, and rich tradition, boasts a unique language that the natives regard as an emotion. The dialect has now gained prominence, impressing millions of people across the globe. The celebration of World Kundapura Kannada Day is a festive occasion where people gather, eat together, and enjoy with great joy and entertainment. For those living in far-off cities and countries, it is a nostalgic reminiscence.

“There was a time when not many people knew Kundapura. But today, with the celebration of World Kundapura Day, the glory of the region, its language, tradition, and culture have spread. These celebrations are not only joyful get-togethers but also a way to preserve the traditional language, practice, culture, and values in the modern era,” says Nagaratna Herle, a skilled teacher, orator, and artist from Kundapura.

May this celebration and pride not be limited to just one day and continue to burn like a flame in the hearts of all Kundaprians.

 

 

 
By Yajusha
Yajusha is currently pursuing her masters in English language and literature at St Agnes Centre for PG Studies and Research, Mangaluru. She excels in both academic and extracurricular realms. Being a prolific speaker and writer she has published numerous articles reflecting diverse interests and expertise.
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Comment on this article

  • k b r, Mangala Uru

    Mon, Aug 05 2024

    Kundapur Kannada should be recognised as a separate language and included in Schedule of Indian constitution ...

  • Richard Quadros, Kundapura/Udupi Dist,Karnataka,India/ Now in Dubai UAE

    Mon, Aug 05 2024

    Kundapura kannada spoken unique and beautifully, Happy to celebrate World Kundapura Kannada Day.


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Title: Essence & Celebration of World Kundapura Kannada Day



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