Tradition encapsulated in betel leaves

MYSORE: Offering of betel leaves has a significant place in our culture. Mysore, which is deep-rooted in culture, is famous, among various other things, for the betel leaves grown in the region.Now, it seems betel leaves don’t have a great future as the growers are moving to other professions due to various reasons.But, not all growers are going the same way. There are a few exemptions like Lokesh. The 35-year-old MA graduate from the Adi Karnataka community belongs to the seventh generation to carry the legacy of supplying betel leaves to Mysore Palace during the Navaratri festivities.Lokesh, who runs a stall at Devaraja Market to sell Mysore betel leaves, says his family continues the legacy of supplying betel leaves for various poojas at the palace ahead of Dasara festivities.His grandmothers Dodda Manchamma, Maramma, Siddamma and Sowbhagya supplied betel leaves to the palace during the periods of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar.Now, Lokesh is continuing the tradition by supplying betel leaves to Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadeyar for Dasara poojas. “The palace workers are purchasing betel leaves from me, and everyday about 1,000-2,000 betel leaves will be supplied for poojas during Navaratri,” says Lokesh.In fact, then ruler Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar gave a land site for the members of the Adi Karnataka Community to settle at Ashokapuram in recognition of their services. Lokesh’s grandmothers got 12 guntas of land for growing betel leaves. But now, several such lands have been made into layouts and house sites.