Tuber Mela

The unique Tuber Mela held at Joida in Uttara Kannada has been gaining popularity with every passing year. About 46 varieties of tubers were on display including those grown by the Kunbi community in Kali valley. Every year growers from Kerala, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Chamrajnagar and other places also participate in mela. Surrounded by the thick forests of Joida taluk in Uttara Kannada district, the local women use their backyards to cultivate varieties of roots and tubers. These are largely grown to feed their families through the year. The tubers come in many shapes. Some like the big taro grow to about 5-6 feet tall while others like the tania are cylindrical with bulbous centers. Yam and roots are integral to the survival of forest-dependent communities. However, there is little awareness outside about the diversity of tastes, colours and nutrition that tubers have to offer. Today, these sweet potatoes and yams has attracted the attention of thousands of people across the nation With the increase in the popularity of these tuber varieties, their market value has also gone up. To cater to this new demand, women have taken up cultivation in small patches of land - without affecting the forest ecosystem. For the women of Joida, the mela is not only an additional source of income but is a forum that encourages learning and discovery. This festival has become an important part of identity of Joida people.