Mangaluru, July 17, 2023: Today is Aati Amavaysa, an auspicious day in Hindu calendar. It is celebrated in the Aati month of the tulu calendar in Tulunadu region. Aati is the fourth month of the oldest traditional Indian solar calendar.

The day is very special for people of Tulunad who consume Paleda Kashaya and Methe Ganji.

The Paleda Kashaya or concoction is prepared from the bark of Paale tree which is also known as Devil’s Tree in English while Methe Ganji is a rice porridge prepared using fenugreek seeds.

There is a belief that the bark of Paale tree has 108 medicinal properties.

On this holy day, devotees visit various shrines of Lord Shiva for theerthasnana (dip in the holy pond).