Reviving Tuluvas’ Aati Month: Saving the Endangered Mugera Aati Kalenja Tradition

The Karavali Wikimedians User Group and Tulu Wikimedians have made significant strides in preserving the rich heritage of Tulunadu by reviving the nearly lost tradition of Mugera Aati Kalenja.  This unique cultural practice is integral to the history of the Tulu people, and its revival marks a vital step in preserving the region’s folk culture.

The Significance of Aati

The project centers around Aati, the fourth month of the Tulu calendar, traditionally considered inauspicious. During this month, important events like marriages and religious ceremonies are avoided, as heavy monsoon rains create a period of rest for farmers in coastal Karnataka. This connection to the agricultural cycle reflects the Tulu people’s deep relationship with their natural environment.

Cultural Meaning

Aati holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning. Rituals performed during this month aim to protect people from illnesses brought on by the wet season. One such ritual is Aati Kalenja, believed to safeguard both the community and livestock. This ancient tradition involves impersonating the spirit Kalenja, who descends during Aati to protect the people. Members of the Nalke community, Mugera community known for their cultural roles, dress as Kalenja, donning intricate costumes and painting their faces.

Decline of the Tradition

However, Mugera Aati Kalenja had not been performed over a decade(exactly 12years), particularly by the Muger community in Belthangady, who had been custodians of this tradition. Factors such as modernization and urban migration contributed to its decline, with only one family continuing the practice, making it increasingly rare.

To combat this decline, the Karavali and Tulu Wikimedians launched a project to revive Aati Kalenja. They visited the Mugera community to encourage them to bring back the ritual, offering support along the way. After numerous discussions, the community agreed to revive Mugera Aati Kalenja.

To ensure authenticity, the Wikimedians provided traditional items, including the tatra, a palm-leaf umbrella essential to the ritual. They worked closely with the community to maintain the original practice. Their efforts were successful, and the Aati Kalenja performance was resurrected. This event was documented as part of the larger Tulavas Aati Month documentation project, aimed at preserving the traditions of this unique period.

Community Participation

Remarkably, many Tulu people were unaware of this tradition due to its localized performance. Over 30 people participated in the revival, with more than 10 performing the ritual and visiting over 50 households, just as their ancestors had done. This marked a significant milestone in preserving a living heritage on the brink of extinction.

Support

The revival of Aati Kalenja was made possible through the support of the Wikimedia Foundation and the dedication of the Karavali and Tulu Wikimedians. Their commitment to cultural preservation has ensured that this tradition will endure for future generations. To secure its future, younger community members have been trained in the ritual, ensuring that knowledge and skills are passed down.

Team of Documentation

Led by BharatheshaAlasandemajalu, with support from Dr.VishwanathaBadikana, Dr. Kishore Kumar Rai, Ms. Vinoda Mamatha Rai, Ms. Yakshitha, Mr. Chidananda, Yadupathi Gowda, and Dr. Diva Kokkada, the team has reawakened the spirit of Aati Kalenja and reinvigorated interest in Tulunadu’s folk culture.

Conclusion

This project transcends mere preservation; it reconnects the Tulu people with their cultural roots and protects their living heritage for future generations. The revival of Mugera Aati Kalenja serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation in an increasingly modern world, showcasing the resilience of local traditions and the deep connection between people and their environment.

By documenting and reviving the rituals of Aati month, the Karavali and Tulu Wikimedians have made an invaluable contribution to preserving Tulunadu’s cultural legacy. Through the addition of photos, videos, and media to Wikimedia Commons and Wikidata, writing insightful articles for Wikipedia, and enriching incubartor Wiktionary with traditional words, they have ensured these cherished traditions are globally accessible. Their efforts beautifully enhance the Wikimedia movement, offering the world a deeper understanding of Tulu culture.

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