REVIVING THE VANISHING KATTES OF MANGALURU

The katte holds social and cultural significance, and efforts have begun to conserve this essential slice of Indian life

- VINCENT D'SOUZA @Mangaluru

In the heart of rural and urban India, the katte (a raised platform built around a tree) has long been a hub for community life, blending social, religious and cultural practices. These humble structures, often nestled under the cool canopy of trees, provided space for villagers, wayfarers and local communities to gather, share stories, engage in religious rituals, or simply rest before continuing their journeys.

However, as urbanization accelerates across the country, many of these once-vibrant community spaces have disappeared. Yet, in Mangaluru, a city on the west coast of India, efforts are being made to preserve this legacy of communal gatherings.

Historically, kattes were found across villages, towns and even cities, offering a physical and emotional respite from the demands of daily life. These structures were not just resting places but acted as vital social nodes where people would come together to converse, pray and bond. Often, they were built around large trees, whose shade provided comfort and whose roots anchored a sense of community.

However, with rapid urban development, these traditional spaces have steadily eroded. Now, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mangaluru chapter, has embarked on an ambitious project to document and preserve over 250 kattes across the coastal city.