Bobbili Veena Concert, a memorable discussion with Telugu film Palasa director Karuna Kumar and a master class on vegetarian Uttarandhra cuisine Onamaalu launched Uttarandhra Kathalu in signature style at The Culinary Lounge
After the resounding success of Telangana Kathalu, Onamaalu —the pioneering community initiative dedicated to celebrating Telugu culinary and cultural heritage—launched yet another vibrant regional chapter: “Uttarandhra Kathalu”. The event held in association with The Culinary Lounge, drew food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and community members into an afternoon filled with rich traditions, soulful music, and nostalgic flavours.
Uttarandhra, also known as Kalingandhra or North Coastal Andhra, comprises the culturally rich districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam. This scenic region is known for its lush green landscapes, coastal charm, tribal legacy, and historical significance. From folk art and festivals to traditional cuisine and classical literature, Uttarandhra boasts a deeply rooted and vibrant cultural identity.
The Uttarandhra Kathalu commenced with a stimulating panel discussion featuring Karuna Kumar, acclaimed director of Palasa.
He shared his memories of growing up in Srikakulam – a village near Palasa. How Palasa was the hot bed for violent politics, how the cashew rich region has its own tales some happy, some sad and many forgotten. When I see some of these traditions especially the festivals that invariably invovled food – vanishing – I try to do my bit and document them via my films. My next film is going to feature a few customs that are unique to the region. One of the reasons for vanishing traditions in the commercialisation of transaction that turned monetary and the other reason is that not many have time to indulge in long drawn traditions.” mentioned the director whose award winning debut film is rooted in the people and their lives in Palasa – that he grew up watching.
The session was moderated by Gopi Byluppala, Founder of The Culinary Lounge and Onamaalu, who brought in thoughtful insights and steered a meaningful conversation on the region’s cultural continuity and evolution.
The guests were treated to an engaging masterclass by Uttarandhra cuisine expert Swaadhitam Sowjanya Narsipuram, who showcased the preparation of traditional Uppindi, and offered the taste in addition to the unique sweet cookie made from moong – Chandrakanthalu and the divine Annavaram Prasadam. The interactice session led to an invigorating discussion on region’s flavours and cooking heritage.
The soulful atmosphere reached a crescendo with a mesmerizing Bobbili Veena recital by Akurati Kaustiki, a Computer Science graduate from Chennai and a dedicated student of Carnatic music, Kuchipudi, and Veena for the past 15 years. Trained under the guidance of Shri Rangarajan, Kaustiki’s performance was a tribute to the classical roots of the region, moving the audience with her passion and precision.
The afternoon concluded in true Onamaalu style—with lively conversations, community bonding, and a sumptuous spread of authentic Uttarandhra cuisine, bringing together taste, tradition, and togetherness. Playback singer and classical musician Nihal Konduri sang a few lines of Telugu film lyricist and poet Sirivennela Seetha Rama Sastry’s song and legendary singer Ghantasala’s rendition set to tune by Saluri Rajeswara Rao – the three belonging to the culturally vibrant region. Ghantasala graduated from the famous Vijayanagara School of Music.
Former Women Commission Chairperson Tripurana Venkataratnam, award winning writer Vijaya Bhaskar and several others who were part of the event shared their memories and rare nuggets of history.
