Roarrrr…Bale Pili Nalipuga! Dist. Level ‘Pili Nalike’ Contest on Sept 29

Roarrrr…Bale Pili Nalipuga! Dist. Level ‘Pili Nalike’ Contest on Sept 29

Bale Pili Nalipuga! (Come, Let’s Tiger Dance!) District Level ‘Pili Nalike’ (Tiger Dance) Contest on September 29 at the Volley Ball Court-Mannagudda, near Mangala Stadium-Mangaluru

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 29 September 2017 at the Volley Ball Court-Mannagudda here, near Mangala Stadium 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 Nalike’ competition will be hosted to provide a platform for all the teams and win lakhs in prize. There will be nine teams comprising of 15 persons in each team, all attired in traditional tiger costumes and will dance to the tunes of tasse (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. Second place winners will receive Rs 1 lakh cash prize plus trophy. Besides, awards worth several thousands of rupees await best individual performers too.”

“The fourth “Pili Nalike’, a competition will involve the best and major tiger dance teams of the district. After three successful editions of Pili Nalike, elaborate preparations have been made at the venue. We have invited only the nine best teams to compete in this contest. Handbills on rules and regulations related to Pili Nalike competition have been sent to respective teams a month ago. In fact, these 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 Rai 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 an awesome cash prize. Meanwhile, the troupe that presents “Best ‘tasse’ drum beating”, “Best Individual Dancer”, “Best Body Paint”, and “Best Child (Cub) Dancer will also receive a cash prize. 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; and Naveen Shetty-host of NammaTv ‘Pili Nalike were also present during the press meet.

The inauguration will be done by Shri Laxmivara Thirtha Shripad, the Swamiji of Shiroor Math, and the valedictory function the same evening will be graced by minister Ramanath Rai , Police commissioner TR Suresh, DC Dr Jagadeesh, Former minister Abhyachandra Jain, MLA J R Lobo, Minister UT Khader, Coastalwood stars,- and also chances are that Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty may also be a guest- on 29 Sept. at 11 am at the Volley Ball Court-Mannagudda near Mangala Stadium. So come one, come all- let’s Roarrrr…at the ‘Pili Nalike’!