Grants:Programs/Wikimedia Community Fund/General Support Fund/ Revealing the Essence:Documenting Tuluva's Aati Month

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Applicant information[edit]

Organization name or Wikimedia Username for individuals. (required): Karavali Wikimedians User Group

Do you have any approved General Support Fund requests? (required): No, it is my first time applying for a General Support Fund

You are applying as a(n). (required): Group of individuals not registered with an organization

Are your group or organization legally registered in your country? (required): Yes

Do you have a fiscal sponsor?: Yes

Fiscal organization name.: Kiwix

Main proposal[edit]

1. Please state the title of your proposal. This will also be a title for the Meta-Wiki page. (required): Revealing the Essence: Documenting Tuluva's Aati Month

2. Do you want to apply for the multi-year funding or renewal process? (required): N/A

2.1. For how many years of multi-year funding are you applying? (required): N/A

2.2. Provide a brief overview of Year 2 and Year 3 of the proposed plan and how this relates to the current proposal and your strategic plan? (required)

N/A

3. Proposed start date. (required): 2024-02-01

4. Proposed end date. (required): 2024-11-30

5. Does your organization or group have an Affiliate or Organizational Annual Plan that can help us understand your proposal? If yes, please provide it. (required): No

6. Does your affiliate, organization or group have a Strategic Plan that can help us understand your proposal? If yes, please provide it. (required): No

7. Where will this proposal be implemented? (required): India

8. What are your programs, approaches, and strategies? What are the challenges that you are trying to address and how will your strategies support you in addressing these challenges? (required)

Tulunadu, the coastal region of Karnataka, is indeed a diverse and culturally rich area with various communities and religions coexisting harmoniously. The cultural heritage of Tulunadu is deeply ingrained in the lives of its people and plays a significant role in shaping their cultural identity and way of life. The region's unique and complex universe of behaviors, rituals, beliefs, traditions, and entertainment reflects the collective ethos of its inhabitants. These practices are not merely superficial aspects of their lives; instead, they carry profound meaning and purpose in the traditional Tuluva community. Nestled along the enchanting coastlines of Karnataka, India, lies an ancient tradition that awakens each year during the Tulu month of "Aati." In this captivating period, the Tuluvas, a community deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, come alive with passion. Aati Month, a rich tapestry interwoven with spirituality, folklore, and bonds of community, unfurls to offer an intimate insight into the heart of Tuluva identity. Aati is considered an inauspicious month according to the Tulu calendar. It is believed to be a time of disasters and calamities, leading to traditions that discourage purchasing new items or starting new endeavors.

Ancestral Origins and Spiritual Depth

The roots of Aati Month, known as "Aashada Maasa," in Kannda stretch back through the annals of the Tuluva calendar, aligned with the dance of lunar cycles. Spanning from mid-July to mid-August, this phase heralds the transition from monsoons to harvest, inviting Tuluvas to honor nature's elements and seek blessings for plentiful harvests and protection from adversities.

1. Harmony of Customs and Traditions

At the heart of Aati Month lies an intricate mosaic of rituals that blend devotion with a sense of community.

a. Aati Amavase: On the moonless day of Aati Amavasya, a revered custom unfolds – the consumption of Paleda Kashaya, a medicinal potion. This annual ritual, performed before sunrise, aims to bestow health and safeguard against stomach ailments. Following this ritual, families indulge in Metteda Ganji or Menthe Ganji, a nourishing mixture of rice, fenugreek, and jaggery.

b. Aati Kalenja: A symphony with nature resonates in the tradition of Aati Kalenja, where the spirit of Kalenja is invoked to protect humans. This dance ritual involves spreading a mixture of water, charcoal, turmeric, and tamarind powder from door to door, infusing homes with positive energy and warding off misfortune. Northern part of Kerala there are similar kind of dance called Bedan.

c. Aati Kullunu: Harkening to a bygone era, Aati Kullunu provided married women with respite, granting them a month of rest in their maternal homes. Once a fundamental practice, it acknowledged the year-round toil of women in their marital households, encompassing both domestic and agricultural responsibilities.

d. Aati Agel: Reverent Rituals Honoring Ancestral Bonds. As the sun sets on the day of Amavasya, a sacred tradition known as "Aati Agel" comes to life, illuminating the hearts of Tulu people with a profound connection to their ancestors. Rooted in religious belief and practiced with deep devotion, Aati Agel is a time for families to craft a heartfelt offering for their departed forefathers, demi spirits, and deities.

e. Aati Games: Aati month games are traditional folk games and festivities that are celebrated in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka, India, during the Aati month. Chennemane is played on a distinctive circular or rectangular wooden board with a series of interconnected hollows or pits. Each player controls one side of the board and has a designated set of hollows. The number of hollows in each set can vary, but they are usually arranged in two rows.

f. Aatitonji Dina: Organized games and sports in a muddy field that was open to all. Participants engaged in numerous games and sports in the wet, muddy field, accompanied by a display of a variety of food.

h. Foods of Aati Month: Embracing the abundance of Aati Month, locals revel in locally grown greens and vegetables. Hog plums, bamboo shoots, wild bitter gourds, and an array of wild greens take center stage, creating nourishing dishes that resonate with the vibrancy of the season.

i. Nagarapanchami Festival: Aati Month culminates in reverence for Nagaraja, the serpent god. Elaborate idols are venerated, and rituals are performed to appease this deity, revered as a guardian against snake bites and perils. Lively processions during the "Nagarapanchami" festival unite communities in spirited devotion.

Preserving Aati: Through the Lens of Film In a world undergoing rapid transformation, Aati Month stands as a sentinel of cultural legacy. Amidst the influence of modernity, the importance of documenting and celebrating traditions like Aati Month takes center stage. Through the lens of cinema, the passion of rituals, the harmony of celebrations, and the profound connection to nature can be immortalized, ensuring the legacy of this cherished tradition thrives for generations to come. As the inexorable march of time continues, the preservation of Aati Month becomes more essential than ever – an eternal flame ignited by the Tuluva people, lighting the path for the generations ahead.

Overall Planning

1. Preserving Living Heritage: Understanding and documenting these cultural practices help in preserving the intangible heritage of the Tuluva community. By recognizing their significance, future generations can continue to appreciate and perpetuate these traditions.

2. Cultural Identity: The traditions and practices of Tulunadu are vital in defining the cultural identity of its people. They bind the diverse communities together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values.

Knowledge Transfer: Many of these cultural practices are passed down through generations orally. By comprehending their purpose and structure, we can facilitate better knowledge transfer from elders to the younger generation.

3. Interconnectedness: Appreciating the interconnectedness of different aspects of Tulunadu's culture can provide insights into the relationships between various rituals, beliefs, and traditions. This interconnectedness reflects the holistic nature of the community's way of life.

4. Societal Cohesion: Certain rituals and ceremonies in Tulunadu play a role in maintaining social cohesion and harmony within the community. Understanding the social significance of these practices can promote inclusivity and mutual respect.

5. Contextual Understanding : By studying the context and history behind these practices, researchers and scholars can gain a deeper understanding of how they have evolved over time and their relevance in contemporary society

Programs and Approaches:

1. Documentary Film: As mentioned in your previous request, creating a well-researched documentary film can be an effective way to capture and showcase the unique oral culture and folklore of Tulunadu. The documentary should include interviews with local practitioners, performances, and discussions with scholars to provide a comprehensive view of the art form.

2. Oral History Collection: Conducting oral history interviews with the elders and practitioners of the art form is crucial for gathering authentic and in-depth information about the traditions, rituals, and stories associated with Tulunadu's cultural heritage.

3. Community Engagement: Involving the local community in the documentation process fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their cultural heritage. Workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions can encourage participation and knowledge sharing.

4. Scholarly Research: Collaborating with researchers and scholars who specialize in folklore, anthropology, and ethnography can provide valuable insights and add academic rigor to the documentation process.

5. Lecture Plans: We are currently in the process of organizing lectures to be delivered at nearby colleges and schools, with a primary focus on preserving indigenous cultures that have remained untold and continue to evolve. This initiative serves a dual purpose: to increase the number of Wikipedia editors and to provide education to our community about the Wiki project.

Challenges and Strategies:

1. Locating Authentic Practitioners: Finding genuine and knowledgeable practitioners of the art form might be challenging. Establishing connections with local cultural organizations and community leaders can help identify and reach out to the right individuals.

2. Ethical Considerations: While documenting living heritage, it is crucial to respect the cultural sensitivities and beliefs of the community. Ensuring informed consent and discussing any potential concerns with the community members is essential.

3. Dissemination and Access: Ensuring that the documented material reaches a broader audience is essential for raising awareness and appreciation of Tulunadu's cultural heritage. Utilizing various media platforms, hosting screenings, and collaborating with cultural institutions can help achieve this

9. What categories are your main programs and related activities under? Please select all that apply. (required)


Category	Yes/No
Education	Yes
Culture, heritage or GLAM	Yes
Gender and diversity	No
Community support and engagement	No
Participation in campaigns and contests	No
Public policy advocacy	No
Other	No

Education

9.1.1. Select all your programs and activities for Education. (required): Research; Other programs and activities if any: N/A
9.1.2. Select all relevant audience groups for Education. (required): Vocational, tertiary, or higher education; Other groups if any: N/A

Culture, heritage or GLAM

9.2. Select all your programs and activities for Culture, heritage or GLAM. (required): Introducing new approaches to underrepresented culture and heritage, e.g. decolonising or reparative work; oral and visual knowledge; outreach to communities of origin, indigenous and first nations self-determination; Other programs and activities if any: N/A
10. Please include a link to or upload a timeline (operational calendar) for your programs and activities. (required): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j_EZOyVC43za-km8JvkoSFQRIooLk8IXxNbgDJ0Hpw0/edit?usp=sharing

11. Describe your team. (required)

Team and there resposibility

1. Mr. Bharathesha Alasandemajalu(User:BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU|BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU): Team Coordinator - Responsible for the Comprehensive Management of the Documentary, Overseeing Project Implementation, and Reporting

2. Dr. Kishore Kumar Sheni(User:Kishorekumarrai|Kishorekumarrai): Artistic Liaison - Tasked with Artist Coordination and Engagement across Tulunadu

3. Ms. Yakshitha (User: Yakshitha) - Project Coordination and Logistics: Responsible for project coordination, accommodation arrangements, logistics, and friendly policy implementation.

4. Mrs. Durga Bhat Bollurodi(User:Durga bhat bollurodi): Student Coordination and Media Outreach - Responsible for Coordinating with Students for the Project and Managing Print Media Outreach for the Documentary

5. Dr. Vishwanatha: Project Expert and Guide - Providing Expertise and Guidance throughout the Project's Duration, Facilitating Scholar Involvement in the Project

6. Dr. Chandra Shekhara Shetty(User:Dr Chandra Shekhara Shetty): Videography and Sound Engineering Coordination - Responsible for Coordinating with Videographers and Managing Music and Sound Engineering Aspects

7. Dr. Girish: Girish is an English professor who will be responsible for translation and transliteration work in our project.

8. Mr. Ashay V Badikana (User: Ashay vb|Ashay vb) - Technical Support and Social Media Management.

12. Will you be working with any internal (Wikimedia) or external partners? Describe the characteristics of these partnerships and bring a few examples of the most significant partnerships. (required)

Collaborating with the Karavali Wikimedians User Group on the project "Revealing the Essence: Documenting Tuluva's Aati Month" has been a gratifying endeavor. The members of the Karavali Wikimedians user group have exhibited remarkable enthusiasm and dedication towards this initiative. Their unwavering support was notably instrumental in the successful documentation of the Pursereg Kattuna documentary.

Discussion in Tulu Wikipedia Page: https://tcy.wikipedia.org/wiki/ವಿಕಿಪೀಡಿಯ:ಚಾವಡಿ#ತುಳು_ತಿಂಗೊಲು_ಆಟಿತ_ಬಗೆತ್ತ_ದಾಖಲೀಕರಣ

Karavali Wikimedinas Discussion : https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Karavali_Wikimedians/Meetups/Online_Meetup_18_August_2023

13. In what ways do you think your proposal most contributes to the Movement Strategy 2030 recommendations. Select all that apply. (required): Increase the Sustainability of Our Movement, Improve User Experience

Metrics[edit]

Wikimedia Metrics[edit]

14. Please select and fill out Wikimedia Metrics for your proposal. (recommended)

14.1. Number of participants, editors, and organizers.

All metrics provided are optional, please fill them out if they are aligned with your programs and activities.

Participants, editors, and organizers
Metrics name	Target	Description
Number of all participants	300	We are in the process of arranging a series of enlightening lectures that revolve around the captivating folklore inherent to our region. These lectures are strategically designed to resonate with a broader spectrum of individuals, thereby stimulating increased engagement and active involvement. Our intention is to immerse ourselves in the intricate narratives woven into the regional folklore, with the ultimate goal of ensnaring the curiosity of a diverse audience and nurturing a profound rapport with our cultural legacy. Furthermore, this collective effort holds the potential to beckon more adept editors to contribute to Wikipedia's pool of knowledge.
Number of all editors	20	N/A
Number of new editors	10
Number of retained editors	5
Number of all organizers	5	N/A
Number of new organizers	2	N/A

14.2. Number of new content contributions to Wikimedia projects. (recommended)

Contributions to Wikimedia projects
Wikimedia project	Created	Edited or improved
Wikipedia		5
Wikimedia Commons	300
Wikidata		500
Wiktionary		300
Wikisource
Wikimedia Incubator
Translatewiki
MediaWiki
Wikiquote
Wikivoyage
Wikibooks
Wikiversity
Wikinews
Wikispecies
Wikifunctions / Abstract Wikipedia

Description for Wikimedia projects contributions metrics. (optional)

Other Metrics[edit]

15. Do you have other quantitative and qualitative targets for your project (other metrics)? (required): Yes


Other Metrics	Description	Target
Documentary Film	Creating a 45-minute to 1-hour documentary film that presents scholarly insights and details.	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A
N/A	N/A	N/A

Budget[edit]

16. Will you have any other revenue sources when implementing this proposal (e.g. other funding, membership contributions, donations)? (required): No

16.1. List other revenue sources. (required)

N/A

16.2. Approximately how much revenue will you have from other sources in your local currency? (required): N/A

17. Your local currency. (required): INR

18. What is the total requested amount in your local currency? (required): 989750 INR

Multi-year funding request summary
Year	Amount (local currency)
Year 1	N/A INR
Year 2	N/A INR
Year 3	N/A INR

Requested amount in USD: 11880 USD ^{[note 1]}

Multi-year funding request summary in USD
Year	Amount USD ^{[note 1]}
Year 1	N/A USD
Year 2	N/A USD
Year 3	N/A USD

↑ ^a ^b ^c The following amount in US dollars was calculated by Wikimedia Foundation staff using the fixed currency rates. This amount is approximate and may not reflect the actual currency exchange rates on the day of submission or distribution. If the application is funded, the funding will be sent in the recipient’s local currency.

19. Does this proposal include compensation for staff or contractors? (required): No

19.1. How many paid staff members do you plan to have? (required)

Include the number of staff and contractors during the proposal period. If you have short-term contractors or staff, please include them separately and mention their terms.

N/A

19.2. How many FTEs (full-time equivalents) in total? (required)

Include the total FTE of staff and contractors during the proposal period. If you have short-term contractors or staff, please include their FTEs with the terms separately.

N/A

19.3. Describe any staff or contractor changes compared to the current year / ongoing General Support Fund if any. (required only for returning grantees): N/A

20. Please provide an overview of your overall budget categories in your local currency. The budget breakdown should include only the amount requested with this General Support Fund (required).


Budget category	Amount in local currency
Staff and contactor costs	0 INR
Operational costs	989750 INR
Programmatic costs	989750 INR

21. Please upload your budget for this proposal or indicate the link to it. (required)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h46cJBsus9en31EeImEXEHSkn7Aj6DpAlYAzVa06FtA/edit?usp=sharing

Additional information[edit]

22. In this optional space you can add any other additional information about your proposal or organization that you think can help us when reviewing your proposal. (optional)

The documentation of "Pursereg‌ kaṭṭuna," a folklore from Tulunadu, is in its final stages, and it is scheduled to be screened at the end of September. This is the motive for our community to do more and preserve an unrepresented language and living heritage.

Activity Report: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Karavali_Wikimedians/Events/%E2%80%8DFolk-a-than_Documentary

Wiki commons Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pursa_Kattuna_Tulu_Documentary.webm

Adhaar Bharathesha (1).pdf

By submitting your proposal/funding request you agree that you are in agreement with the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and the Universal Code of Conduct.

We/I have read the Application Privacy Statement, WMF Friendly Space Policy and Universal Code of Conduct.

Yes

Feedback[edit]

Please add any feedback to the grant discussion page only. Any feedback added here will be removed.

[fixedrate-1] The following amount in US dollars was calculated by Wikimedia Foundation staff using the fixed currency rates. This amount is approximate and may not reflect the actual currency exchange rates on the day of submission or distribution. If the application is funded, the funding will be sent in the recipient’s local currency.

[note 1]