It’s ‘Pili Nalike’ at Airport? Dasara Celebrated for the 1st Time in History of MIA

It’s ‘Pili Nalike’ at Airport? Dasara Celebrated for the 1st Time in History of MIA

Mangaluru: When is the last time that you had witnessed a “Pili Nalike” (Tiger Dance) at Mangaluru International Airport? Never! But last night, passengers departing and arriving at the MIA were treated to a cultural colorful extravaganza, including Tiger dance and Bharatanatyam, as part of 3-day Dasara Celebrations going on at the Airport since 26 September – and this is the FIRST time that such kind of celebration is held. Dasara being a prime festival of South India, and the same has been depicted through this three day long spectacle at the Airport.

With Airport Authorities of India (AAI) taking an initiative to promote local/regional cultural festivals of that city/District, had picked a few important Airports in the Country, and one among them being MIA, to highlight the tradition and culture of that region. With this initiative, festivals of national/regional significance will resonate in Airports Authority of India (AAI) airports across India. Taking the directions from AAI Headquarters, MIA therefore had organized a 3-day Dasara Cultural treat for passengers using MIA, commencing with with “Raag Rang Sugham Sangeeth” on 26 September, followed by “Sursagar Fusion Band” flute concert on 27 September, and with a grand finale on 28 September comprising of vibrant “Pili Nalike” (tiger dance) and Bharathanatyam. The generally quiet Airport flaunted a festive look with the display of decorative lights and hanging basket lamps, and the sound of drums and music.

This colorful festival entails a plethora of activities, which invigorates the cultural senses of visiting guests and transiting passengers. The entire airport has been decked in colorful strings of lights and festive decorations, including Yakshagana dolls, thereby setting a visual ecstasy for the passengers and visitors. The lighting has been primarily focused on the City side and the terminal setting the stage for various cultural activities and art performances in an attempt to spread the joy among the guests and passengers. Last night visitors and passengers stood transfixed as the local troupe performed Tiger Dance, with dancers with tiger masks swerved energetically to the pulsating beat of the ‘Tasse’ (Drums). With breathtaking acrobatics the tiger dancers, followed by a traditional and colorful Bharatanatyam dance prompted a large gathering of visitors and a few passengers to prolong their stay at the MIA.

Speaking to media persons during a press meet, MIA Director V V Rao, (who took over the post in May 2017) said, ” Dasara is first such cultural stop for passengers and stakeholders and MIA will celebrate with more such regional, national festival to give all concerned a flavor of the region and nation.The cultural activities not just featured artists of repute, but also in-house airport talent featuring staff for airlines and other stakeholder agencies. Since airports are a touch point for travelers to interact with the region, and there is not much to showcase to the world, hosting such national festivals at the airport is the perfect way to introduce the cultural diversity to the guests, which will give visitors a treasure trove of memories to carry home. This festival has brought has brought together the richness our culture, tradition and art on one stage”

“Keeping in mind the need to enhance visual cultural experience, airport will fill up all vantage spots inside the terminal building with local art and murals. We have received responses from seven curators on how to go about this project and the name of one curator will be finalized soon. The work will start at the earliest. Motifs of yakshagana, kambala and other local art forms will adorn these spots on lines with similar venture at leading international airports. The display of arts will definitely give a feeling of Mangaluru region at the gateway itself.” added Rao.

To a query from a journo on expansion of runway at MIA, Rao, quoting Airports Authority India (AAI), said that the project cost turns out to be too high, financially not viable and there is no guarantee that wide-bodied aircraft will land at the Airport even if huge amount is invested in extending the runway. “How many airlines have wide-bodied aircraft and how many of them are ready to operate via MIA,” he sought to know. To another query, he said that even if the runway is extended from the existing 2,450 metres to at least 3,050 metres (minimum requirement for wide-bodied aircraft to land), the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) may not give permission for it as it is a table top runway.

“Presently the Airport having an area of 80,000 sq mts, a new arrival building measuring about 9,000 sq mts will come up exclusively for international passengers, since there is steep rise in the number passengers flying from MIA. A new canopyFrom 5,500 passengers in August 2016, the number of passengers using MIA per day has gone up to 7,500 passengers per day (now). As of now, there are 60 movements (30 flights landing and 30 taking off) per day. One more flight service to Chennai via Mumbai will begin from October 1 operated by Indigo airlines. The operations of cargo flights have also increased, where we have been shipping tonnes of fruits/ vegetables” Rao added. The press meet was also attended by C V Ravindran- Joint General Manager (Engineer Electrical), and few other Airport Administrative staff, including Hazel Concessao the PA to Airport Director