Bantwal: Acharya Family - Living with Glorious Sign of Past Lifestyle  
Report and Pics by Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (RD/SB)
 
Bantwal, Jun 19: Thatched houses, once a common feature of residential set up is a rarity even in rural areas today. With urbanisation taking over the world by storm, the thatched houses made way to tiled houses. Concrete structures soon followed paving way for concrete jungles we are at present. So the scene in today's times is that thatched houses are mostly existent only in the form of heritage houses.
 
However, it is significant that amid the fast-paced tilt of the people of Dakshina Kannada towards 'all that's modern', a family in Pacchinadka in the taluk continues to live in this glorious sign of past lifestyle, a century-old thatched house. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, the Acharyas - Ganesh Acharya and D Chandrayya Acharya maintaining a joint family tradition, are contributing to the annual upkeep. While, several thatched houses in the neighbourhood have vanished over a decade ago making way for tiled roof or concrete houses, the Acharyas are latching on to it as they are convinced of its benefits.

 
Cool in summer, warm in winter - naturally!
 
Although the thatched houses are losing its sheen in the present era, they are refreshingly cool, especially during summer. Moreover, these houses are warmer during monsoon and winter as several layers of dry grass woven over the roof, radiate heat inside the house when rain lashes over the roof. The dry grass should be woven over the roof every year. However, when any portion of roof supported by bamboos collapse it would cost more on upkeep. Otherwise, it is healthy and pleasant to live in such modest houses.

However, a major flip side is that there couldbe lurking fear of snakes and scorpions creeping into the thatch and finally crawl into living space. It seems they are also repltile-friendly. But a proper upkeep it is a pleasant stay all along.   
 
How to change dry grass?
 
The replacement of the worn-out layers of thatched-roof every year is a tedious task that needs skill coupled with bounty of patience. The dry grass meant for Acharyas’ dwelling was brought from a distant Benjanapadav here. The Acharyas have already spent Rs 4,000 on procuring the grass.
 
Only time will tell whether the Acharyas will stick to the glory of the past or give in to the pressure of rapid modernisation like their neighbours.