Banakal

Banakal is a Malnad village in Mudigere Taluk, Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, India. This village is situated atop the Charmadi hills in the Western Ghats section. The Western Ghats is one amongst twenty-five identified hot spots for biodiversity conservation in the world. Banakal is surrounded by coffee estates and paddy fields and known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. Banakal town is the headquarters of Banakal Hobli.Banakal lies on the banks of the Hemavati River. The Hemavati, which flows through Banakal, originates in Western Ghats. This 245km long river covers about 5410km2 of drainage area and considered as a prime source of irrigation along with natural rainfall. The geographical location of Banakal is 13°0'59" North and 75°53'9" East.CultureThe people lead a monotonous way of life irrespective of the religious diversities. Generally life is slow paced as it is seen in most of the agriculture dominant villages of Chickmagalur district. The Gowda community is dominant and owns most of the landed property like agricultural fields and coffee estates. Folk songs and folk dances are given much importance. During special occasions men play Kolata - a group dance using sticks, and women do perform folk dances and folk songs like Bhaagyada balegaara hogi baa nanna tawarige are noteworthy.CuisineThe Malnad food style is followed. Rice and wheat are a part of the daily menu. Traditional dishes like Rotti, Ganji-oota, Kadubu-chatni and shevije are eaten. Generally people are non-vegetarian. Some traditional dishes like Edi-chatni, Iruve-chatni and Maralu-meen-saru are now vanishing from the daily menu.