Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Baroda

Baroda, Oct 3: The Tulu Sangha Baroda celebrated the annual traditional “Puddar Parba” (Tené Festival) with religious rituals at the world’s first and only Tulu Chavadi, located in India Bulls Megha Mall, Baroda, Gujarat, on October 2.

The festival was held under the guidance of Shashidhar B Shetty, president of Tulu Sangha Baroda, and with the support of patron Dayananda Bontra Belman. Members and children, dressed in traditional attire, participated with enthusiasm and brought the new harvest rice (Tené) into the Chavadi.

The newly harvested rice from the year, grown primarily through agriculture along with pulses, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, was offered with devotion inside the Chavadi by Mahavir B Jain. All members participated in the rituals following the traditional Tulu Nadu customs. Dayananda Bontra performed the abhisheka with curds and milk, offered prayers, tied the ceremonial Tené, and invoked blessings for prosperity. Dr Sharmila M Jain, the head of the women’s wing of the Sangha, assisted in the rituals.

The festival concluded with a traditional vegetarian feast featuring newly harvested rice, payasam, and assorted vegetable dishes, celebrating the unique Tulu Nadu Tené Festival.

Long-standing members Chandrashekar Shetty and Kasturi Shetty, now settled in Huttur, were felicitated during the event. Ratna Shekhar Shetty provided detailed insights into the significance of the Tené Festival.

The programme, coordinated by Madankumar Moodugere and Karthik Gowda Moodugere, saw the participation of a large number of members, including K Madhav Shetty, Ravi Shetty, Ganavi M Gowda, Prameela Shetty, Kavita Gowda, and Jayshree Poojary. Members led devotional bhajans, and women offered prayers during the celebration. Dr Sharmila M Jain welcomed the attendees, while honorary general secretary Balakrishna A Shetty delivered the introductory address. Honorary general treasurer P Balachandra Gowda expressed gratitude to all participants.