Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje 

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasaragod (DV)

Kasaragod, July 25: Aati Kalenja is an ancient traditional folk art of Tulunadu practiced and performed for ages.

Aati Kalanja is a form of ritualistic folk dance form that is performed during the month of Aati, also known as Ashadha, which falls during the rainy season just after the farmers finish their work in agricultural fields. Kalanja is believed to be a spirit that takes care of the welfare of villagers, cattle, crops, etc. Aati festival is celebrated on the new moon day of Ashadha month.

Speaking to daijiworld, Aithappa, one who bands the Tembare said, "Earlier, during the Aati it was quite a difficult situation as many used to suffer from poverty. During the rainy season, no one can come out of their houses and thus there was no agricultural activity."

Udayakumar is decked up as Aati Kalanja. Chakrapani Swamiji who also spoke on the occasion said Aati Kalanja folk art has been been performed for ages.

Walter Nandalike, managing director of Daijiworld Media Private Limited said there is a scientific reason for this folklore. “This culture is being practiced for ages," he said.

Aati Kalanja in traditional make-up and attire goes door-to-door performing the traditional dance and blesses families against diseases. The blessing is seen as a protection for cattle against diseases as well as the crops against pests.

Aati Kalanja collects the offerings made by the family, which usually happens to be in the form of rice, coconuts, turmeric, charcoal etc, and leaves for the next house. This in a way is found by the people to act as a reassurance from the spirits that the villagers would be protected against hostile spread of diseases and pests which is a natural phenomenon during the rainy season.

Aati Kalanja is also believed to demolish spirits which act under the direction of sorcerers and heap miseries on people.

Normally, people belonging to the 'Nalike' community adorn themselves with costumes made of tender coconut fronds who wear colourful clothes and don the make-up with designs which include wearing a long cap made of areca nut spate. The Kalanja also carries with him a parasol decorated with leaves and flowers. He dances to the accompaniment of singing of folk songs by members who accompany him and the beats of a small percussion instrument known as 'Tembare'.

Aati Kalanja, which was practiced almost in every village of Tulunadu till a few years ago, is today sadly, living on the edge. Rarely does one come across Aati Kalanjas nowadays. Concerted efforts are needed to revive this folk art form that is based on popular belief and folklore which is closely connected to nature and the environment.