BuDa Folklore is an institution that works in coastal Karnataka to preserve the rich biodiversity and folklore of the indigenous people of Uttar Kannada. They record local knowledge, oral tradition, and folk culture in the region. In addition to guiding responsible tourists on tours of the area that highlight the symbiotic way of life of the tribal groups, they aim to preserve traditional culture and heritage.
During the monsoon season, they host the Mungaru festival in the Angadibail forest, which celebrates the rains with paddy-transplanting activities. The festival also highlights the importance of land and seed preservation through the cultivation of folk rice varieties like halaga, ratnachuda, kempuhalaga, and hegge. Festivals like Mungaru play an important part in cultural preservation.
The 2023 edition of the Mungaru festival will let you revisit old farming traditions, reconnect with the earth, understand the processes of growing rice by transplanting paddy, and experience the monsoons of the Western Ghats. Some of the experiences at the festival include learning folk songs from the Halakki tribes, planting forest trees, sampling local delicacies with seasonal foraged forest foods, weaving baskets, and interacting with members of the Halakki tribe about their folk stories and legends. There are numerous interesting activities to explore. For instance, participants might plant kokum tree saplings in a forest clearing or create seed balls out of kokum and soapnut. You can also learn about the forest's edible wild plants and flowers, like the Kusumale Hannu, a wildflower used to make a particular sort of tambooli (a digestive drink). Then there are the many varieties of wild berries.
Numerous studies have shown that communities, such as those that BuDa works with, are crucial to safeguarding biodiversity. Indigenous groups have been caring for animals, plants, and their environments for countless centuries as environmental stewards. Many of the ancient myths of the local tribes are nature-based and have been passed down through the generations through engrossing stories and songs like the ones you will learn at the festival. Read more about the festivals and workshops here.
For more information on how to register, check here.
The Information
Where: Angadibail forest, Ankola Taluk, Uttara Kannada district
When: August 12 to 14, 2023
To register, write to budafolklore@gmail.com
