Bale Pili Nalipuga! Dist.Level ‘Pili Vesha’ Contest on Oct.10
Mangaluru: It’s once again that time of the year, where one could watch many “Tiger Dances” performed as part of Mangaluru Dasara during Navaratri celebrations now going on in a full swing. And to give these performers a chance to unleash their talents, a ‘Pili Nalike’ (Tiger Dance) contest is held every year, and this year it will be held on 10 October at the Volley Ball Court-Mannagudda here, in association with Namma TV. Even though people consider “Pili Vesha” a part of their culture and tradition, competition among tiger dance teams is inevitable.
Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Mithun Rai- Dakshina Kannada District Youth Congress president and also the organizer of ‘Pili Nalike’ said, “District-level ‘Pili Vesha’ competition will be hosted to provide a platform for all the teams and win lakhs in prize. Teams comprising around 15 persons in traditional tiger costumes will dance to the tunes of tase (percussion instrument) exhibiting skills perfected through weeks long practice. While the best team will bag not only the trophy, but also a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, each participating team will be awarded Rs 20,000 cash. Besides, awards worth several thousands of rupees await best individual performers too.”
“Pili Nalike 3.0, a competition involving major tiger dance teams of the district, will be held in association with Namma TV, a regional channel. After two successful editions of Pili Nalike, elaborate preparations have been made at the venue. We have invited only the nine best teams to compete at Pili Nalike 3.0. Handbills on rules and regulations related to Pili Nalike competition have been sent to respective teams a month ago. In fact, those teams have commenced practice sessions in their respective places two months ago. There are several criteria which determine the best performing team. Expert judges, who have thorough knowledge about the traditional tiger dance of Tulunadu, will adjudge the best performers,” added Rai.
Mithun further said, “All aspects including painting on the body of the tiger dancers and traditional dance sequence are considered during the competition.The team that appears with the perfect body paint will bag Rs 30,000. Meanwhile, the troupe that presents best ‘tase’ drum beating, best individual dancer and best child dancer will also receive cash prize of Rs 30,000 each. Our main objective is to enliven traditional ‘Pili Vesha’, which has a historical significance. There are many Pili Vesha teams in the district, but we have sent invitations to select teams only. It is an effort on our part to encourage best teams and also keep the tradition alive for next generations,”.Dr Shivasharan Shetty- proprietor of NammaTV was also present during the press meet.
The inauguration will be done by Shri Shri Shri Vidya Prasanna Thirtha Swamiji of Subramanya Math, along with minister Ramanath Rai , DC Dr Jagadeesh and Actor Rakshith Shetty on 10 October at 10 am at the Volley Ball Court-Mannagudda near Mangala Stadium. The valedictory function will be held that same evening, with minister UT Khader, Congress Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza, Former State minister Abhyachandra Jain, Police Commissioner Chandrashekar, and many film actors/actresses as chief guests and guests of honor.
