Tulunadu...treasures galore

BELLA DA MANDE

2011-07-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

CHANGE

2011-07-07T02:28:00.000-07:00

Change is good if you can bring about positive change in your life. But these changes should not disturb the culture of Tulunadu. Our region has its own culture is unique in its own way. This uniqueness should be treasured. Our costumes, jewellery, customs and cuisine have their own uniqueness. In the past, the people of Tulunadu used to wear a 'mundu' and a shawl. These clothes not only reflected Tulu culture but also suited the climate of the region. The people of Tulunadu have high aesthetic sense. This is reflected in the intricate designs of their jewellery and wonderful carvings in their ancestral homes.

RIDDLES:

2010-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love riddles? For that reason, I have gathered Tulu riddles for you to figure out and enjoy. The answers are given below.

1. Adda Marat bodde kulde, yer panle?
Ans. Pelakai

2. Ponnu madimeda dina onji vastu kandani gu tojapuval. Avu wa vastu?
Ans. Nachige

3. Sedi paadi illagu baakil ijji, jala duggugu mire ijji.
Ans: Thetthi bokka perede

4. Bangaarda pakki beelad neer parondu undu.
Ans: Chimini (lamp)

5. Saavira jokuleg onje pattenoolu.
Ans: Mypusudi

6. Udda marat kempu sanyasi.
Ans: Bajjeyi

7. Alle gelldu muule pakki.
Ans: Moonkutti

8. Akkareg 6 kann, mukkareg 3 kann, thotada ajjagu onje kann.
Ans: Kolalu ,tharayi, bajjeyi

9. Kinni kinni jokuleg kinni kinni muttale.
Ans: Birel, uguru

10. Angi dettedh guvelg laagiye.
Ans: Parndh

11. Banjid ittina baale bachchire thinpundu.
Ans: Manoli

12. Tappu rumbiye kolu ningiye.
Ans: Kori pojankudu thinpuni.

13. Neerd puttudh neerd buledh neerd boorunaga maya.
Ans: Uppu

14. Pottu guveld korungu nalipundu.
Ans: Pori podhpuni

15. Kande 4 kaardu nadapundu, madhyana 2 kaardu nadapundu bokka baiyyada 3 kaardu nadapundu. Dada panle?
Ans : Naramani! Baale uppunaga 4 kaardu parapuve, maala ayibokka 2 kaarudu nadapuve, parabe ayibokka 2 kaaru bokka donte pathdu nadapuve.

16. Saavira gilikleg onje kokayi
Ans:Parndhda kayil

17. Yenna onji ajji anchi inchi podu mooled seruval
Ans: Mypusudi

18. Appe padina paje madipere aapuji,Amme padina duddu genpere aapuji
Ans: Akasha, Nakshatra

19. Aai Ooi manna ulayi
Ans: Shoonti

20. Enkonji ajji. Meyi nilike gajji
Ans: Kanchala

21. Bangaarda bisathin mannd kounthder
Ans: Manjal

22. Nchai nchui pakkileg saarotthonji kann
Ans: Dose

23. Yenna ajjig onje kann
Ans: Sooji

24. Yenkuttag moonkudu ball (thread)
Ans:Sooji

25. Adit chakana, meld chakana, chakana dever bonteg pother
Ans: Aame(Tortoise)

26. Kooli ijjandina korin kaas kordu kanatd, adnaga bulipuver.
Ans. Neerulli (Onion)

27. Nettig guddudu neerparnd banji agura.
Ans. Golida soda (Marble soda)

28. Kallarald poovaad maatergla bodaand. Malyaiyana gundodu bolpaand.
Ans. Sunna (Whitewash)

29. Bulitinda bulipundu. Teltunda telipundu.
Ans. Kannadi (Mirror)

30. Kedayi mara. Kettayi mara. Naalver bannaga menchayimara.
Ans. Barchane (Comb)

31. Ank donkuda booruda ulayi toddeda neyi.
Ans. Jelebi

32. Guvelg laagive. Baatd mith barpe.
Ans. Poori

33. Tudettamith mara. Maratta mith booru. Booruda mith birel."
Ans. Veena ( A musical instrument )

34. Toovare chendu. Turpare malle. Derpare dunna."
Ans. Arita mudi ( Rice murra)

35. Path jokulna appe. Parkat seere tutondu, path jokulena tatondu arasu illade onasg poyolu.
Ans. Bollulli (Garlic)

36. Bulipandi baalena tatondu balipunu.
Ans. Kodapaana (Water pot)

37. Kadal aredundu bolkal meendundu.
Ans. Aletulipunu (Churning buttermilk)

38. Chooli daanti parnd guveld meendundu.
Ans. Benne (Butter)

39. Onji pallad yel yermelu."
Ans. Appada Kaavoli (Appa Pan)

40. Tirti kandogu neeroddanda mitha kandogu bule barpundu.
Ans. Chiminida bolpu (Light of the kerosene lamp)

41. Kempu musuntuda kariye illorme kammena korpe.
Ans. Udubatthi (Incense Sticks)

42. Kathaleda koned kariya perede.
Ans. Nela oresuna kuntu ( Rag used for mopping the floor)

43. Appe Kulondolu Magal tirguvolu.
Ans. Kadepikallu (Grinding Stone)

44. Appegu onji kannu Magalegu radd kannu.
Ans. Raagi beesuva kallu (Stones used to powder raagi )

45. Boliyarasugu kariya mundaas.
Ans. Toothakaddi (Matchstick)

46. Lethunda barpujolu, pathunda manipujolu, nookunda oyithundla bulipuvolu.
Ans. Baakil (Door)

47. Darthelg nurtel.
Ans. Beega (Lock)

48. Pali illad bolpu potunda megdi illad su tojundu.
Ans. Kodi dikkel

49. Gattaddhu onjitundu uppad kanate, pattinaath pattinaath muggiyuji."
Ans. Thu (Fire)

50. Gundadha mith ther.
Ans. Dikkeda mith kara (A vessel on a stove)

51. Palina illagu megdi popolu, megdina illag pali popujolu.
Ans. Ser bokka paavu

52. Binne naalid pathuve.
Ans. Chombu (Mug)

53. Bulipuna jokulen maanaad jepuduna juvadaanti appe.
Ans. Tottil (Cradle)

54. Illada ulayi pilikorepundu.
Ans. Taarayi perevunu (Grating coconut)

55. Kathaleda koned kariya bhoota kuldundu. Kaayidingd kadala neer partund.
Ans. Neeruppaddha barani ( Glazed ceramic jar used for preserving pickles)

56. Appe illag ponaga kushit popolu, kandanillag bannaga bulitondu barpolu.
Ans. Kodaapaanodu guvelda neer oypunu (Drawing water from the well using water pot)

Mail

2010-09-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

" I received this wonderful mail 2day which I want 2 share with my friends...... Navanitha "

Abhinav Bisht September 1 at 7:55pm ReportYour work in tulu language dictionary is commendable, ma'am.Keep up the good work. It was of a great help.Thank you.Regards,-Abhinav Bisht.

Some Tulu proverbs..

2010-08-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

1. Bele danthina Aachari baaleda pinkan kettiye!

Literal: That the jobless carpenter chiseled at the bums of a kid.

Meaning: A person, indulging in unwanted, unproductive work without purpose.

2. Aane saithandala aiku laksha kattale bele undu.

Literal: Even if an elephant dies, it values in lakhs. [of rupees]

Meaning: Great personalities are valued even after their death.

3. Matti kettidina Marle leka!

Literal: Acts like a mad fellow, if tipsiness exceeds its limit.

Meaning: A person should act within his limits.

4. Aaragyave bhaagya!

Literal: Health is wealth.

Meaning: In one’s life, health is more essential than material wealth and so it should not be neglected.

5. Alpagu aishwarya thikanda madya raatridala kode budpavege!

Literal: If an inferior person gets riches, he holds an umbrella over his head even at midnight.

Meaning: An indirect way of saying a person should be poised and should maintain his emotional balance, when fortune smiles on him.

Equivalent: No pride is like that of a enriched beggar.

6. Maamigu onji kaala, marmalegu onji kaala!

Literal: There is a time for mother-in-law and a time for daughter-in-law.

Meaning: Every dog has his day.

7. Dudde doddappa

Literal: Money is the godfather.

Meaning: Money is everything in the real world.

8. Matherna illada dosedu vottene!

Literal: Dosa made in every house has pores.

Meaning: We all have same sorrows and joys in different forms, which is understood but not mentioned.

9. Yedata nettigu hakanda balada nettigu taagundu!

Literal: if you pat the left side of the head, it struck the right side of the head.

Meaning: He struck at Tib but down fell the Tim.

10. Kandani bodedina ladai jeppo mutta!

Literal: The strife between a husband and wife lasts only till they dine and go to bed.

Meaning: Disagreements between people in love are forgotten easily.

11. Dainandala baggavoli, maranu baggavoliya?

Literal: It is rather easier to bend a sapling than a tree.

Meaning: Those who have trouble following rules as young will get worse when they get older.

12. Haasige ittinathu kaaru pudpavodu.

Literal: Stretch your legs as much as the bed.

Meaning: This is a warning to live within one’s means.

13. Idi murkundala munku mitthe!

Literal: Though he drowned completely. his nose is still above the water.

Meaning: Though vanquished he could argue still.

14. Jana marla jaatre marla?

Literal: Are the people stupid or the crowd stupid?

Meaning: This proverb bemoans the irrational behavior of normal people in large crowds.

15. Kaasu itanda kailaasa ijjinda vanavaasa!

Literal: If you have money, it's paradise,otherwise it's a reclusive life.

Meaning: In a society high status and position are yours if you are rich otherwise people ignore you.

16. Aanen derpare aanene aavodu!

Literal: To lift an elephant an elephant is a must.

Meaning: Great jobs requires great efforts!

17. Mannu du bathina mannuge podu!

Literal: From mud to the mud.

Meaning: Whatever comes from Mother Earth goes back to Mother Earth.

18. Illagu maari oorugu upakari!

Literal: Samaritan to the society and a devil at home.

Meaning: A trouble maker at home may be a samaritan to the society.

19. Madime malpadu tuvodu, illu kattadu tuvodu!

Literal: Try arranging a marriage, try building a house.

Meaning: Arranging a marriage or building a house should be experienced by oneself to actually understand the difficulties.

20. Basale da dompogu kanji kattadu batthi laka!

Literal: Like tieing a calf to a spinach support.

Meaning: People are always in a hurry.

21. Illagu thu burgina kedu toderegu poye!

Literal: When the house is on fire he began to dig a well.

Meaning: Do work before it's too late.

22. Urcheregu bannaga bithillu nadondu poye!

Literal: He went looking for open space when he needed to shit!

Meaning: Do not wait until the last minute to complete your work.

23. Mangana kaittu manikya korileka!

Literal: Giving Ruby in the hands of a monkey.

Meaning: Giving something valuable in the hands of an idiot.

24. 24. Mandedu kullanda baigu urchuve!

Literal: If he sits on your head he will shit into your mouth.

Meaning: If you promote a cunning person, he will cheat you.

25. Naigu salige kornda bisaleda nesal nakkundu!

Literal: If the dog is given freedom it will lick the cooking pot.

Meaning: If too much freedom is given to anyone they may take undue advantage of you.

26. Naida beela yepaglaa domku

Literal: Dog's tail is always bent

Usage: This is said of a person who engages himself in crooked ways (bad behaviour) and not inclined to mend his ways.

27. Onji kebitt kenddu bokonji kebitt budodu!

Literal: Hear it out from one ear and leave it out from the other ear.

Meaning: To turn a deaf ear to something unimportant.

28. 28. Punyathme muttina maatha bangar!

Literal: Whatever the lucky person touches becomes gold.

Meaning : The lucky fellow has King Midas touch.

29. Sathyag saavijji, sullugu jayaijji!

Literal: Truth dies not, lie wins not.

Meaning: Truth always triumphs and lie never prevails!

30. Mara puttinalpane, naramani poyinalpane”

Meaning : Tree remains where it was grown, but man can prosper anywhere he goes.

Traditional Jewellery of Tulunadu

2010-08-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

At the time of wedding as well as numerous other occasions, a Bunt woman is gifted jewelry by her parents and relatives. Jewellery is considered auspicious and a status symbol. The traraditional jewellery of Tulunadu is what makes the Bunt weddings so rich and unique in their own manner.

The traditional gold jewellery is passed on for generations and families hold jewellery made many decades ago. The different jewellery includes armlets, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, earrings, fingerings, toe rings, nose rings, anklets, pendants and waistbands. Tulunadu follow their unique designs and they have unique names too!

1. V shape eternity ring which is the wedding ring for a Bunt woman - vadungeela. (The ungila / ring that the groom slips into the vadu / bride's finger)
2. Finger ring – Ungila
3. A five ring connected gold jewellery for all the fingers in a hand - Panchaungila
4. Bangle - Bale
5. Thick bangle - Kadaga
6. Armlet, an upper arm ornament - Vanki
7. Short chain - Sara
8. Long chains till the chest or waist - Mala
9. Necklace - Kanti Sara
10. Pendant - Padaka
11. Talisman - Urku , a charm worn by toddlers and young children to avert evil and bring good fortune.
12. A pipal leaf shaped pendant the groom ties on the bride on their wedding day – Thaali.
13. Mangalsutra / chain of black beads which depicts the marital status of a woman - Kariyamani da sara
14. Earring - Kebita
15. Ear studs - Bendole
16. Small studs worn by men – Vonti
17. Dangling earrings – Lolak, ole
18. Support for earrings and is made of gold or pearls & is hooked to the earring & then attached to the hair above the ear – Thang
19. An earring or stud worn on the upper half of the ear - Koppu
20. Traditional bell shape earrings which are long and bulky with detailed designing - Jhumkis
21. Crown - Kirita
22. A small tinsel forehead ornament - Bottu
23. Tassels tied to plait ends - Tareta gonde
24. Hair ornament with hair pin is attached to the top of the braid or in buns to hold them in place - Tareta poo
25. Chain used to adorn the centre forehead parting of the women / Indian maang tika - Mundole ( Munda = forehead, ole = hanging)
26. Nose stud - a small stud let into the flesh of the nostril on one side, generally of diamond - Moonkutti.
27. A very small gold tinsel nose ornament - Moonkuda bottu.
28. Dangling nose ring usually made of gold, pearls and stones - Nath.
29. A bull ring usually pushed ( rarely pierced ) on the dividing wall between the nostrils - Bulak
30. Waistband (known as Kamarband in Hindi) which is worn tightly around the waist & is made of gold and is studded with precious stones. Pendant of sitting Goddess Laxmi in the center is most popular – Bangarada Patti
31. Waist chain - sonta da noolu
32. Flexible anklets made by joining rings of metal, usually silver – Padasara
33. Immovable anklets, usually in silver which are made like bangles with a gap to fit into the ankle – Kada.
34. Pair of toe rings which is a symbol of a married woman and usually made of silver - Kaar ungila
35. Diamond – Vajjira
36. Coral – Pakala
37. Pearl - Muttu
38. Dancing Bells/ Ghungroo - Gejje

39. Mallimuggu Sara: Jasmine bud necklace inspired by the beauty and fragrance of jasmine buds.
40. Kukkumudi Sara: Mango Mala is a necklace of small golden mangoes, our favourite tropical fruit, sometimes extending down to the waist. Each gold mango is crafted in three dimensions and set with stones sometimes. The back of the mangoes are finished with a smooth texture to make it comfortable to wear.
41. Pavan Sara: A necklace of gold coins is strung on an intricately patterned gold chain.
42. Misiri Mala: Light weight small gold disc on which the image of Goddess Laxmi is printed and strung on gold thread.
43. Navarathna Sara: A necklace with nine precious gems, a ruby, diamond, natural pearl, red coral, hessonite, blue sapphire, cat's eye, yellow sapphire and emerald together are known as the Navarathna.
44. Gili Ole: Traditional pearl earrings with the design of parrot head, 3 small bell shape jumkas dangle from the centerpiece and it has and a few rubies/ corals also.
45. Kajipukai Sara: A chain with small gold vegetables and fruits. Usually lac is filled inside these.
46. Gejjetic Kantasara/ Gejje Addige Sara: Thick herringbone band of necklace on which round bells are fixed at the bottom.
47. Beduru Bale: Bamboo design bangle
48. Teru Bale: This bangle has the repeated design of a canopy of a chariot.
49. Ashtalaxmi Mala: A long chain with eight pendants depicting the Goddess Laxmi in diff
50. Gundu Sara: The chain is made from small hollow gold beads that are strung on a gold chain.
51. Godhi Sara: This wheat chain is crafted with small and dainty whole wheat charms.
52. Nanya : Handmade old gold coins.
53. Mohun Mala : A long necklace made of large gold beads, with an interval of gold twisted thread between each bead.

54. Decorative key chain ( usually in silver & sometimes even gold ) for a woman’s household keys. They have hooks to hang from the sari at the waist and a key ring for the keys. An ornate design covers the keys so that they are not visible. An elegant artistically designed trinket: Tharkol da Gonchil.
55. Chain Buttons are Cuff- links -style kurta buttons in Gold or silver which are joined by chain (which are detachable actually): Manila da Gubbi

56. A female's ornament worn in the tip of the ear - bugudi

COOLIE

2010-08-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

He uses his energy
beyond regular hours of work,
A means of earning money
from morning till dark.

Takes short spells of rest
the body ceases from exertion,
Rise from sleep he must
and work till oblivion.

Premonition:

2010-08-26T12:34:00.000-07:00

Many times I had premonitions that something was going to happen & it always did. So it didn’t come as a surprise to me when I had an indication of my mother’s death in the form of dream. After all someone like my mother who close to me was about to leave us forever.

My mother passed away 8 years ago on 23 rd December, 2002. I was in Pune and had a disturbed dream one night in December. In my dream I saw mother walking.

“Where are you going Amma?” I asked her.

“To meet your sister Namitha, she is waiting for me in the car" she replied walking past me.

She seemed to be in a hurry. I could see our old white Ambassador car MYG 9161 parked at a distance. When I woke up I could vividly recall every detail of the dream.

Mother in my dream was in a hurry to meet my sister Namitha who had passed seven years earlier. Mother had taken her death very badly and her health started deteriorating after that. Another point to be noted is that Amma had donated our old white Ambassador to Dharamasthala Temple, a famous Vishwanath Temple near Mangalore. So the fact that she was going to meet my sister who was no more and in a car which now belonged to a temple really scared me.

I spoke about my dream to my husband. He told me not to worry as he was leaving to our hometown Mangalore (and where my mother resided) the very same day. My husband Balajith reached Mangalore and informed me that mother was doing fine.

Exactly four days after my dream, she passed away. She had her breakfast and had passed away while napping. I was glad she was not alone when she breathed her last because she always feared she would die alone and no one would be near her. I rushed to Mangalore for the last rites, as soon as I got the news.

AMMA: 1994, she was 63 when this pic was clicked. In front of r Mangalore Home.

CHAKRARTI

2010-08-26T12:13:00.002-07:00

It can be dismantled when not in use and stored.

The journey of a lamp:
When lamps became a part of the home and temple decor, metal workers made their lamps more and more ornamental. Some were even made of silver and gold.

Gold and silver lamps were for palaces, temples and rich men’s houses. Some were ratnadipa — lamps set with gems. In old tales and poetry such lamps emit light without oil and wick. Then there were arti-dipa — (prayer lamps) and archana-dipa — (lamps for offering).

Some lamps were hung from the ceiling, while others rose in tiers, and yet others branched like a tree — vriksha-dipa. The bedroom lamp was ratipradipa, which suggested love-making.These, old ornamental Indian lamps, are now the collectors’ items.

EKA AARATHI

2010-08-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

This DEEPA has a sturdy handle and a pedestal base.

KOORMA ARATI

2010-08-26T12:12:00.002-07:00

An attractive brass turtle diya used for traditional aarti with a beautifully carved handle.

Aarti involves the circulating of the 'Aarti lamp' around a deity. In doing so, the lamp is supposed to acquire the power of the deity. The lamp is circulated to all those present. They cup their down-turned hands over the flame and then raise their palms to their forehead - the purificatory blessing, passed from the deva's image to the flame, has now been passed to the devotee.

HALAGE PANCHARATI

2010-08-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

This lamp is a collector's item! This stunning multi-petaled diya has five small diyas resembling the petals of a flower. Since so many flames will naturally heat up the brass, this one has a long, elegant but sturdy handle by which you can hold this diya and perform the aarti during prayer.

When offering Arti, using a lamp with five wicks, the platter containing this lit lamp should be waved in a full circle in front of the Deity. Then it is circulated among the devotees in a devasthana or temple after the arti ceremony is performed to God. Then everybody passes their hands over the lighted lamp ( to take the warmth signifying God's blessings) and then over their forehead.

SARPARATHI

2010-08-26T12:11:00.001-07:00

20th century brass cobra sculpture lamp.

GOPURARTI

2010-08-26T12:10:00.002-07:00

A gleaming tower (gopura ) of brass with four tiers of diyas to offer '31 wick / batti da pooja'. The lamp is resting on a heavy and stable base. It has an intricately carved round stand and a sturdy handle to provide perfect grip. It has a large brass bowl atop to serve as the main diya that can hold a thick wick and enough oil for the flame to burn for hours! Rows upon rows of bright, flickering, orange flames in this beautiful floor lamp. It can be dismantled when not in use and stored away.

TAPPALE

2010-08-26T12:10:00.001-07:00

This shape tappale is used for bathing.

JEWEL BOX

2010-08-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

Top of the Jewel Box

BRUSH with real wild boar bristles

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TEXTURED TAPPALE

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HARIVANA / ENGRAVED PLATE

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CHEMBU WITH PEACOCK LID

2010-08-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Used to store drinking water.

SAMBARDA BATTALU OR SAMBARDA MARAI

2010-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

PAU OR BRASS GRAIN MEASURE

2010-08-26T11:58:00.002-07:00

Pau is a vessel used to measure mainly food grains. Earlier grains were priced in Tulunadu in this unit.

PAER DA TAPPALE: Vessel used to heat milk

2010-08-26T11:58:00.001-07:00

A traditional Bunt Wedding

2010-08-07T02:24:00.000-07:00

Pre-wedding Ceremony:

A Bunt marriage is an attempted union of two different families rather than the union of two individuals. Social status, financial security and a host of other things are taking into consideration while searching for prospective matches. As per traditional Hindu culture, Bunt wedding also starts with the exchange of horoscopes by the parents of the boy and the girl. It is assumed that when the horoscopes foretell compatibility, things will progress smoothly. The young people then get a chance to see each other. After the prospective horoscopes are matched 'Jataka kudunu' - matching of the horoscopes by the astrologer, an auspicious day and time is finalized in consultation with the astrologer.

Nikshaya: The Engagement ceremony

The men folk from the bride's family proceed to the groom's house carrying a silver platter laden with betel leaves, betel nuts and flowers. An elder from the family is assigned the task of introducing the two families to each other. This visit is a mere formality to confirm the date and time of the forthcoming wedding. The exchange of betel leaves and nuts is a confirmation of the alliance and the elders are a witness to it. These days the engagement might even be a more elaborate occasion, where the bride and groom exchange diamond engagement rings and the family follows this up by hosting a lavish party for close friends and relatives.

Madarengee:

This ceremony is held separately in both homes. Traditionally this used to be a very simple ritual where just a dot of 'mehendi' was applied to the bride's palms and finger tips, but has now evolved into a grand celebration complete with professional mehendi artists being hired to weave intricate designs on the hands and feet of the bride and her close female friends and relatives. 'Mehendi is applied on the groom as well - but just as a symbolic dot on his palm.

A Ritual bath:

The ceremony is held separately in both homes one day before the wedding. The bride is given a bath by the female elders with oil, turmeric and coconut milk. They then bless her. Her brother's wife or any other older lady from the family leads her for her bath. After the bath she completes the ritual by wearing a new sari, gold jewellery and black bangles. The bride and groom then proceed to their 'puja' rooms and after a brief prayer go to the 'Tulsi Katta' (sacred Tulsi plant) to pray. A similar ceremony is held at the groom’s house. The groom's cousins and other close family relatives apply turmeric and coconut milk on his face, body and arms. The barber gives him a haircut and then his sister's husband or maternal cousin leads him for his bath.

Murthasese:

As per tradition, just before the wedding day, a Murtha is performed at the bride's house. The Murtha is given a lot of importance in Bunt tradition. The groom would not have been invited for this function. Only the boy's parents and the bride's relatives are invited.

The bride prays to the Tulsi Katte (Tulsi plant) - traditional Bunt houses have a mandatory Tulsi Katte in the courtyard of the house (Tulsi is considered to signify Goddess Laxmi).The bride is then dressed and taken to a decorated chair. The bride is seated facing the east. The bride will wear a Kachipuram sari, mallige (Mangalore jasmine-studded) plait, a gold Patti around the waist, gold Vanki on the arm and a gold Mundale on her forehead. A Harivana (silver plate) is filled with raw rice mixed with haldi and kumkum (turmeric and vermilion) and coconut is kept on that which signifies the presence of Lord Ganapati. A tall kardeepa (wick lamp) is decorated with jasmine flowers and lit.

A female relative distributes red and green glass bangles to all the women present. The eldest 'sumangali' puts the toe ring on the second toe of the bride's feet. Then five sumangalis (married ladies) put red and green bangles in a sequence on the bride's hand. There is one black bangle to remove drishti. All the sumananglis will put Mangalore jasmine flowers in the bride's hair. Finally, they do aarti of the bride because she is considered the Laxmi of the house. They put haldi-kumkum and bless her. Elders and others present will also bless her. The function goes on for 45 minutes to two hours depending on the number of people present.

The groom will have a Murtha on the morning of the wedding; However, this is a very simple function where his maternal uncle's wife or his paternal aunt adorns his feet with gold toe rings that he has to keep till the wedding. He too is blessed by all with the showering of rice.

Day of Marriage:

In a traditional Bunt wedding, all expenses are borne by the bride's family. However in recent times, 'wedding expenses' and 'dowry' if any is decided by the two families. In traditional bunts style weddings, the mantap (stage) is decorated with bunch of aracanut, mango leaves and jasmine flowers. As per tradition, the bride wears a red or maroon Kancheevaram sari, Mangalore jasmine-studded plait, a patti (gold belt) around the waist, Vanki (armlet) on the arm, green and red bangles, a Mundale ( Maang tika) on the parting of her forehead and a pair of diamond stud with jumkas in her ears. The groom wears a traditional dhoti though modern Bunts wear sherwanis.

The wedding is conducted by the bride's family. So the girl comes to the wedding hall first - 30 minutes before the Dhare. Before entering the hall, the brides’ sister - in - law will wash her feet with water. And bring her inside the hall where Bride's aunt and other sumangalis (married women with husbands) will do aarti and put haldi-kumkum.

The bride's sister-in-law or mami (father’s sister or maternal uncle's wife) will lead her to the mantap with the other members of the family and will seat her on the right side facing the audience. As the bride enters, a Kombu (trumpet) is blown. The same procedure goes for the bridegroom too. The bride's brother will wash his feet and groom's brother-in-law will lead him to the mantap. He will be seated on the left side of the stage facing the audience.

In a Harivana, raw rice mixed with haldi-kumkum is kept. A silver chambu (silver pot) with holy water, coconut flower and a coconut on top is also kept which signifies the presence of Lord Ganapati. A very tall deepa is decorated with jasmine flowers is lit.

The bridegroom’s mother and his family members give Poov Sere (flowers and sari), haldi-kumkum and jewellery to the bride. A priest will perform the Pooja in the mantap and take the blessings of the Almighty and elders gathered there. The ceremonies are guided by the bride's maternal uncle.

The bride and groom are asked to take seven rounds of the stage. They are led by the boy's brother-in-law and sister. Then they will exchange garlands. The girl goes first followed by the boy. The Kambu is blown at high pitch immediately followed by Dhare.

Dhareyeruna:

The bride's parents in the presence of her maternal uncle, his wife and elders of her family perform this ceremony. A brass ‘Dareda chambu' (vessel with a spout) filled with 'Theertha' (holy water) is held by the bride's parents and taken to all the elders of both the families for their blessings. An antique gold coin known as 'nanya' is placed on the bride's palm beneath which the groom places his hands and the bride's parents pour the water from the 'chambu' onto the couple's hands. This ritual is called dhare. The 'Mangalsutra' (gold chain with black beads), is blessed by 5 'sumangalis' (married women) and the groom ties it around the bride's neck. He will then slip the vadungila or wedding ring to her right ring finger. The bride then slips a plain gold ring on the groom's finger. The bride and groom are made to hold the 'chambu' and sit down and rise three times in quick succession. This is known as the 'dhareyeruna’

Homa:

The Brahmin lights the sacred fire known as homa or sacrifice is performed amidst Vedic chants. The bride's brother puts fistfuls of puffed rice into the hands of his sister and the groom, which they in turn offer into the sacred fire each time they go around it, namely three times.

Saptapadi:

The seven steps around the sacred fire
The groom holds the bride's hands and together they take seven steps around the fire. With each step the bride has to tip over small heaps of rice with her right foot and repeat the seven marriage vows along with the groom.

Sese Padunu:

Everybody will take the raw rice mixed with haldi-kumkum and bless the couple. The sumangalis will do aarti and put haldi-kumkum on the couple. Then, the elders and guests will bless the couple.

Neer Maipunu:

After that, the bride and groom are asked to come down from the stage, go out of the hall and pray to the Sun God (surya darshan). The bride's brother will wash the groom's feet, and the latter has to reward his brother-in-law handsomely for his troubles.

The couple then re-enter the hall. The bride's mother will give tender coconut to the groom and he has to drink little and give little to his wife (signifying a commitment to share everything). His mother will give the bride a gold memento as a gift.

Ponnu Vocchidu Korpunu:

All the women from girl's family will give the bride's hand to the boy's mother or an elder member of his family. During this, they sing a song or speak words of praise for the girl and how they have brought her up like a princess. The boy's side will say they will accept her as their daughter not as their daughter-in-law.

Post Wedding Ceremony:

After the wedding a feast is arranged and a traditional five-course vegetarian meal is served. Thereafter the bride leaves for her husband's home. The exit from the place of wedding takes place at an appointed time, according to the muhurta. The bride, after receiving aashirwada or blessings of the parents and the elders present, takes her leave.

You know you are a Pune Bunt when.....

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1. Your mother/ wife attends the Pune Bunts Sangha Fund every 1st Friday of the month.

2. You know everyone or has heard of everyone.

3. The younger generation think it's not cool to hang out at Bunts Sangha functions.

4. All the peons in KHS still recognise you.

5. You miss ooru & try to visit your native place at least once a year for the kola, nema, puja, etc.

6. You carry Shrewsbury Biscuits to ooru from Kayani Bakery.

7. You've also spent hours on Laxmi Rd shopping for sarees.

8. You've encountered cunning rickshawallas, who have taken a longer route to your destination.

9. The elders attend the Bunts Sangha Picnic, Sports Day & Annual day functions every year.

10. People at home attend all the weddings.

11. You love the Pune Mumbai expressway!

12. Your new year's eve is spent at home because the man of the house is busy with his restaurant.

13. You like to gossip about Shilpa Shetty & Aishwarya Rai.

14. You mix a few Hindi & Marathi words in your Tulu Vocabulary.

15. You feel extra happy during Ganesh Chathurti and visit Dagudshet Ganapati Temple.

16. You love to compare Camp and Deccan.

17. You think Pimpri, Chinchwad, Pashan and Nigdi are so far away.

18. A member of your family has taken part in dance or drama during the Annual Day functions. And two other family members have accompanied him/her to the practice.

19. You stand in the Q to buy Bakrawadi from Chitale.

20. You visit Mangalore Stores to buy Rotti, Chakuli, etc

21. You understand the meaning of gadi (car), room (apt) & angadi ( restautant/ hotel).