Aati Kalenja…Arrives

Monsoons in Tulu Nadu: Aati Hunnime and the Tradition of Aati Kalenja

The monsoon season in Tulu Nadu, a region known for its rich cultural heritage, is marked by the celebration of Aati Hunnime and the traditional folk art of Aati Kalenja. These customs, deeply rooted in the agricultural lifestyle of the Tulu people, reflect the community’s connection to nature and their efforts to seek blessings and protection during the challenging month of Aati.Aati, a month in the Tulu calendar, typically spans from late July to mid-August and is characterized by heavy rainfall. This period, while essential for the region’s agriculture, also brings significant challenges. The incessant rains can lead to crop damage, an increase in pests, and a higher incidence of diseases, making it a time of hardship for the agrarian communities. As a result, Aati is often viewed as a month of disasters, prompting the people of Tulu Nadu to engage in rituals to appease nature and seek its mercy.One of the most vibrant traditions during this month is the performance of Aati Kalenja. This ancient folk art, practiced by the Nalike community, is believed to bring prosperity and ward off evil spirits. The Kalenja, adorned in a colorful and eco-friendly costume made of leaves and flowers, visits homes in the villages. The costume, featuring a striking headgear made from Ixora coccinea stems, tender palm fronds, and a long cap of Areca spate, is a visual delight. The Kalenja’s face is painted with intricate designs, and he carries an umbrella made of dry palm leaves, adding to the spectacle.The ritual of Aati Kalenja involves the artist, accompanied by a drummer playing the traditional tembere, performing dances and sprinkling a mixture of charcoal, turmeric powder, and tamarind water around homes to expel misfortune. The drummer recites the song “Aateek Baththe Aati Kalenja,” narrating the story of the spirit Kalenja, who is believed to descend to Earth during this month to bless the land and its people. In return for their blessings, the Kalenja receives rice, vegetables, and money from the households. This ritual not only aims to protect the community from evil spirits but also serves as a form of traditional healing, with the Kalenja sometimes dispensing medicinal herbs.Aati Hunnime, the full moon day of the Aati month, is a day of special significance. On this day, the women of the household perform rituals to ensure the well-being and happiness of their families. The entrance of the house is cleaned and decorated with rangoli (white powder or chalk), kumkum, haldi, and sandalwood paste. Boiled jackfruit seeds, betel leaves, areca nut seeds, and sprouted horse gram flowers are also used in the decorations. A silver tumbler filled with water is placed at the decorated entrance, and after the worship, this water is poured onto the Tulsi plant in the yard, which is also adorned with the same decorative items.The preparation of sprouted horse gram flowers is a unique aspect of Aati Hunnime. Overnight soaked horse gram is sown in a mud pot or the backyard soil, covered with an inverted bucket, and allowed to sprout over a few days. These sprouted flowers are then used in the rituals on Aati Hunnime.Despite the modernization and urbanization that threaten these traditions, Aati Kalenja and Aati Hunnime remain integral parts of Tulu Nadu’s cultural fabric. Today, while fewer families engage in these practices, they are still celebrated in the region’s interior pockets, preserving the spirit of the monsoons in Tulu Nadu and the community’s enduring bond with nature.