Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 29: In a tradition, that is being followed from decades, , Catholics of the district of Dakshina Kannada felicitate members of three Hindu families and show their gratitude for having protected them during the attack from Tipu Sultan. This tradition is being held at Damaskatte, Kinnigoli near here every year.

This year's felicitation function was held on Wednesday, November 28 at Our Lady of Remedies Church Kirem during the annual feast of the church. The members of the Bunt communities who protected the Catholic families during the invasion of Tipu's army were felicitated on the occasion.

This year, in order to create awareness about the environment, three plants were given to the families along with the customary banana bunch and betel leaves. Jayapala Shetty of Aikalabava Guttu, Dinesh Shetty and Sukumar Shetty of Talippady Guttu and Guttinar Balakrishna Shetty and Shambu Shetty of Elinje Angadi Guttu received the honours.

The offerings during the felicitation was done as per tradition by parish priest of Kirem church Fr Victor D'Mello, assistant parish priest Fr Jayaprakash, vice-president Burton Sequeira, secretary Anita D'Souza and others under the leadership of Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of diocese of Mangaluru.