Revisiting Childhood Memories in Mangalore: A Journey Through Time

Growing up in Mangalore has left an indelible mark on my heart, filled with cherished memories from the simple joys of gully cricket to the bliss of childhood festivals. These moments have carved a special place in my upbringing, making them an integral part of my life.

Footprints in the Gully

The nostalgia of gully cricket played with makeshift bats made from coconut tree branches is a vivid reminder of my playful childhood. The thrill of scoring a six and hitting the ball into the neighbor's house, leading to a pause in the game to retrieve a new ball, brings back those delightful moments, where time seemed to stand still.

Sweet Tales and Stories

One of my fondest memories is indulging in Golibaje, a unique treat that almost made my tongue sing with its heat before a cooling glass of tea. These memories, which are often unfamiliar to outsiders, are etched deeply in my heart, reminding me of a simpler, more harmonious time.

Exploring Nature and Character

Traversing through the rainy season on kattapuni, the boundary wall between two fields, instilled a sense of adventure and freedom. While the rain often brought about flooding and school holidays, it also brought a unique charm to our daily lives. Rain-affected umbrellas and wet clothes became part of our everyday experience, and the school's declaration of holidays because of bolla (floods) only added to the excitement.

During summer, kokum juice and puli sharbat became our favorite refreshments, while winter saw us indulging in activities like heating hardened coconut oil. These seasonal foods and beverages provided not just flavor but also a sense of comfort and warmth.

Learning and Imagination

Mangalore's festivals and traditions offered numerous lessons and entertainment. The monsoon was a time for phalarde moode pelagaya gatti and khilmbi gunda, while the rainy season saw farmers using buffaloes to plough fields and sing folk songs called pardana. These sounds became an integral part of our lives, providing a melody to our days.

Walking Through Time

The baahere kalgi (umbrella walk) and Tamilgarh during the annual temple fair (jathre or uthsava) were events that brought the community together. The joy of perstering (pestering) grandma to tell ghost stories and finding nemotsava and marnemi exciting, only added to the mystique of those days.

Treasured Experiences

Feeding the dead souls (bhootha tambila) during festival seasons (janmashtami and navaratri) and helping my mother or grandmother with happala sandige pickle, semeda adde korida rotti, and other tasks created strong bonds and memories. Crafting paper boats and leaving them in rainwater to sail became a grand adventure.

Conclusion

The memories of Mangalore are a rich tapestry woven with the threads of simple pleasures, lively traditions, and heartfelt moments. From the joy of gully cricket to the warmth of festive seasons, these memories have stayed with me, reminding me of a simpler, yet invaluable, period of my life.