Suralpady, July 30:
The vibrant cultural essence of Tulu Nadu came alive at Shubadha, Suralpady, as the community gathered to celebrate Aatidonji Dina, a traditional monsoon festival that revives local heritage and promotes health through native wisdom.
The programme commenced at 10.30 AM with a soulful bhajan by Mrs Yoshitha, invoking divine blessings. Sr Aruna, the coordinator of the society, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. Esteemed guests were Sr Dencilla, retired teacher and chief guest; Sr Neeta, the resource person; and SHG representative Mrs. Pushpa—were felicitated and welcomed on stage.
Following a brief introduction, Sr Neeta delivered an informative and insightful talk on The Role of Nutrition in a Healthy and Balanced Life. She emphasized the importance of the seven essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and water. She explained how each nutrient contributes to the body’s overall function, from providing energy and building tissues to aiding digestion and maintaining immunity. Her session served as a timely reminder of how balanced nutrition is vital for well-being, especially during the monsoon season.
To mark the uniqueness of the day, Mrs Sumathi and Mrs Lucy shared interesting facts about the significance of Atti, enriching the audience’s understanding of the festival.
The celebration further came alive with a variety of fun-filled games that saw enthusiastic participation. A special spot game titled Queen of Atti added an element of surprise and delight, where a lucky participant was honoured. Then prizes were distributed to the winners.
Mrs Rekha concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks. The joyous celebration ended with a group photo session and a festive meal. The meal featured a delightful spread of traditional Aati dishes, including Pallav Rice, Onion Chutney, Appe, Payasa, Pathrode, Haldi Kolache Pathyolo, Vitamin Bhaji, Salted Jackfruit, Brahmi Leaves Chutney, and Horse Gram Chutney each dish reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Aatidonji Dina at Shubadha was not just a celebration of food and tradition but also a beautiful expression of community spirit, wellness, and cultural pride.
