Exhibition on life, cultural practices of the Tulu community from April 11

Mangaluru: India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), in collaboration with the Rani Abbakka Tulu Museum & Research Centre, presents Beneath the Green Canopy: Cultural Heritage of Tuluva Life, an exhibition that explores the life and cultural practices of Tulu community through a carefully curated selection of objects. Opening on April 11, the exhibition, which will be held for about two months, traces the journey of life in Tulunadu, from the first ritual bath of a newborn to the final rites, through 10 everyday objects that carry deep cultural meaning. These include a cradle carved from sacred wood, a coconut shell ladle and ritual artefacts that reflect traditions, livelihoods and ecological knowledge rooted in the region. Anchored by the proverb, "The one who planted the tree is gone. The shade remains," the exhibition invites audiences to reflect on memory, continuity and the lived experiences of generations past. The coconut, a recurring element across the exhibits, serves as a symbolic thread connecting rituals, sustenance and daily life in Tulu culture. Curated and designed by Madhushree Kamak and Brian D'Souza, the exhibition brings together anthropological insight and contemporary storytelling. It highlights how objects from everyday life, once found in kitchens, courtyards and paddy fields, can serve as powerful carriers of cultural memory. Madhushree Kamak notes that the project offered a shift from contemporary art to understanding everyday cultural artefacts, while Brian D'Souza reflects on the urgency of documenting traditions that are rapidly disappearing and reconnecting younger generations with their heritage. The exhibition is part of a Foundation Project implemented by India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) under its Archives and Museums programme, in collaboration with Rani Abbakka Tulu Nadu Museum, and has been made possible with support from Tata Trusts.