Media Release

Bantwal, Aug 7: Loreto English Medium High School, CBSE, Loreto, celebrated 'Aatidonji Dina' in the school auditorium, under the initiative of the Heritage Club.

The programme was graced by the presence of Fr Francis Crasta, school manager, principal Fr Jason Vijay Monis, vice principal Anitha Pais, Rodney Ivan D’Souza, PTA vice president; and chief guest Shree Sanketh Poojary, writer and cultural speaker. The event was inaugurated by the symbolic opening of the Pingara (Arecanut flower), a traditional mark of auspiciousness.

The importance of the day was shared by Divi Shetty of class 8, who highlighted the cultural relevance of the Aati month.

The chief guest Shree Sanketh Poojary, a noted writer and researcher on local traditions, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the significance of the Aati month. He explained how this period, marked by heavy rainfall and food scarcity, led ancestors to develop sustainable eating practices. "People relied on natural, foraged, and preserved foods like pathrode, kotte kadubu, uppad pachir, kashaya, and various tubers, showcasing the intelligence of our elders in using nature’s bounty wisely, " he said. He emphasized how Aati Kashaya, prepared and consumed on Aati Amavasya, acts like a natural vaccination, boosting immunity and preventing seasonal illnesses.

The principal, Fr Jason Vijay Monis, appreciated the wisdom of ancestors who crafted food, medicine, and tools using locally available materials like wood, leaves, and herbs. He stressed that such programmes introduce the younger generation to the richness of local culture and the sustainable lifestyles of the past.

The school manager Fr Francis Crasta shared that the Aati month teaches how Mother Earth has the capacity to fill the stomachs of people with her natural supplements. "During times of food scarcity, she provides sustenance for the people, just as she did for our ancestors," he said. 

The stage decoration beautifully reflected rural Tulunadu with traditional kitchen utensils, wooden tools, palm baskets, and rustic elements, creating an immersive and authentic atmosphere for the event.

The event featured vibrant cultural performances by students, including traditional Tulu songs and folk dances. A highlight was the portrayal of Aati Kalenja by Harshith grade VIII and Pavan, who dressed as the traditional spirit and the drummer, respectively. Their performance brought the tradition of Tulunadu to life.

Students also prepared and brought various Aati-special dishes from home, which were displayed and shared, adding flavor to the celebration.

The programme was hosted by Sharanya, with the welcome address by Ashel of grade 10. Dhanvitha concluded the programme with vote of thanks.

'Aatidonji Dina' was not just a celebration but an immersive experience in learning – a day that connected the past with the present and inspired students to value the culture and heritage of Tulunadu.