MADIKERI: Nostalgia for classic comics—think Amar Chitrakatha, Phantom, and Tinkle—is experiencing a digital revival, and one artist in Kodagu, India, is leading the charge with a unique cultural project. Manavattira Somanna is reintroducing the magic of comics to a new generation through ‘Chandooka,’ a publication celebrating Kodava folklore and traditions.
Reviving Kodava Culture Through Comics
A Kodagu artist is using the power of comics to connect Gen Z and Gen Alpha with their cultural heritage.
- ‘Chandooka’ is written, illustrated, designed, edited, and published by Manavattira Somanna.
- The comic aims to preserve and promote the unique traditions of the Kodava community.
- Somanna hopes to reach younger generations who are increasingly disconnected from their cultural roots.
- The first edition was released in September, and the second in December, attracting both children and parents.
In Kodava, ‘Chandooka’ refers to a traditional wooden box used to store valuables. Somanna, who grew up hearing Kodava tales from his grandparents in the 1990s, noticed a growing disconnect between younger generations and their cultural heritage. “As a kid from the 1990s, I grew up hearing Kodava tales from my grandparents. Now, kids no longer live in their native land with their grandparents and stay away, but also from the cultural practices of the community,” he said. He observed that while millennials often maintained a connection to their roots, Gen Z and Gen Alpha faced a different reality.
What’s the best way to engage today’s youth with cultural stories? Somanna believes the answer lies in comics. “The best way I could reach them without being preachy or boring was through comics,” he explained. ‘Chandooka’ isn’t just for those familiar with Kodava culture; it’s designed to be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in learning about the community’s unique traditions.
Somanna’s goal extends beyond cultural preservation. “I want to show to the world Kodagu is not just about booze, hills and coffee,” he said, challenging common perceptions of the region.
The first edition of ‘Chandooka’ was released in September, followed by a second edition in December. Both releases have garnered interest from children and parents alike, signaling a potential resurgence of interest in Kodava folklore and a successful approach to cultural education through the engaging medium of comics.
