Bantwal: Aati Kalenja’s Arrival Keeps Evil at Bay
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (VA)
Bantwal, Aug 6: The people of Nalke community are all geared up for ‘Aati Kalenja’, a traditional dance form of Tulunadu, at Manila near Vittal here.
Tulunadu is known for its rich cultural traditions. The cultural traditions of the district are closely associated with the local weather and nature. Aati Kalenja is such tradition which has a connection with weather and changes in the nature which occur from time to time.
The month of Aati is special in many ways. It normally comes in the months of July and August. It is a time for farmers to take rest after sowing paddy in the field. However, rain does not take a break during this time. Mother Nature is seen at its greenest in the season.
At the same time, the season is also conducive to the insects and pests to breed. So man is more prone to sickness in this season. It is on this background that man starts pleading and pleasing the nature to be considerate towards him. This could well be called the origin of the Aati Kalenja cult in Tulunadu.
Kalenja is the name of a spirit who is in charge of the protection of the village-folk during the month of 'Aati.'It is widely believed that by practising the Aati Kalenja in the form of a dance, one can win over the evil spirits.
During the period the members of the Nalke community adorn themselves with costumes made of tender palms of the coconut tree, anklets, colourful clothes and a long cap made up of areca spate etc. They paint their face with different colours and designs, carry a parasol made of leaves and decorated with flowers, go from house to house and dance in front of the spirit beating a small drum known as tembare. The house-holder gives them rice, coconut, turmeric, charcoal etc.
This rich tradition is gradually disappearing in Tulunadu nowadays. One can see this folk dance only in the interior pockets of Tulunadu, during Aati days.