house visits. The image of Aati Kalenja, holding an umbrella of dry palm leaves, makes for a spectacular viewing. The costume differs by region, In Sullia, Aati Kalenja dancer wears a face mask which is made from the spathe of an areca nut branch. The Ritual Aati Kalenja visits houses and carries out a ritual of sprinkling water mixed with Charcoal, Turmeric powder and Tamarind to do away with any misfortune that might have befallen on the family and the cattle. He dances to the beats of the drum called tembere which is of very significance in culture of Tulu Nadu. Accompanist beats the drum and recites the song, "Aateek Baththe Aati Kalenja", narrating the story of the spirit. As a reward for expunging the evil that surrounds, household members give him rice. Aati Kalenja is also considered as a traditional healer who at times dispenses medicinal herbs to overcome illness. Food Ambade (Hog plum), Kanile (Bamboo shoot), Paagile (wild bitter gourd), Thojank (Cassia tora), Thimare (both wild greens), wild Jackfruit, drumstick leaves and Colocasia leaves are some of the locally available vegetables that are used in the season. In modern days With changing times it is very different situation now, development, education, technology and increased employment opportunity has led to the disappearance of this ancient ritualistic folk dance. Reduction in paddy cultivation too contributed to the disappearance of the tradition. The This decade old ritual is on the verge on extinction. Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy former president Vaman Nandavara said that Nalike community members in the city are not keen on continuing with the tradition as they get more job opportunity due to reservation and urbanization. "Parents of Nalike community members dress their children as Aati Kalenja and make them dance to the tunes of paddana (traditional Tulu songs) in front of houses. Nowadays, children too are hesitant as they concentrate on education". In spite of it, Aati Kalenja remains an integral part of the folk culture of the Tulu Nadu region and one can witness this folk dance only in the interior pockets of Tulu Nadu, during Aati days. See also Bhuta Kola Yakshagana References External links Daijiworld Aati Kalenja Video Indian folk dances Ritual dances Culture of Karnataka Culture of Tulu Nadu