Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (EP)

Mangalore, Aug 13: The period of 'aati' was difficult for the people in the olden days.  It was also a time of rest for the farmers.  However, during these days of modern living, we consider the gatherings in Ati as food festivals by giving importance only to food items.  So it is necessary to know the importance and specialty of the olden days, opined Kadri Navneeth Shetty.

He was speaking as chief guest at 'Aatida gammath' programme held under the aegis of K S Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte.

"In the past, people were relying only on agriculture for their living.  Several celebrations relating to agriculture are a witness to the rich heritage of this region.  However such celebrations have decreased now as the society does not indulge in agriculture as before," he said

"In the olden days when the family of a groom was looking for a bride, they used the gauge the status and prestige of the girl’s family by the amount of grass piled up in their verandah and the number of cows in their shed.  Such customs do not exist anymore.  So, it is necessary to explain the modern day youth the importance of motherland and celebrations involving traditions," he said.

N Vinaya Hegde, Chancellor of Nitte university, presided over the programme.  Additional chancellor professor Shantaram Shetty, vice chancellor Dr Ramananda Shetty, Nitte institution’s dean Satish Kumar Bhandary and others were present on the occasion.  Dr Sumalatha of Nitte Institutions welcomed the gathering.