Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Oct 14:  Pili Vesha (Huli Vesha or Yesa) is a folk dance in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi and is home to several talents who perform this form of dance.

According to Huli Vesha dancers, it is said that the tradition of 'Huli Vesha' began after a mother from Mulihithilu took a vow that she will dress up her son as a tiger and make him to dance in front of Mangaladevi temple after he get well soon from physical illness. As her son got well soon, she made him dance in front of the temple and thus began this tradition during Navarathri. Later, the tiger dance has spread its wings worldwide.

Initially, to bring prominence to Sharadha Devi’s procession, 'Atte' was used to carry painted tigers. But, for the first time Bajilakere Kamalasha introduced the concept of tableau during the procession on the last day of Navarathri festivities.

Moreover, there are different steps in Pili Nalike (tiger dance) which are also called as 'Paula Nalike', (dance steps performed in tiger dance) that includes 2, 4, 6, and 8 steps. As various dancers have entered into Pili Nalike teams, even the steps of older Pili Nalike have undergone changes, according to Pili Nalike dancer Prashanth CK. 

Earlier, there was a concept called ‘Kuri Hakuni' which has been replaced by 'Mudi Hakuni'. But, only a few teams can perform these stunts during their performance.

Now, the 'Pili Nalike' has become a matter of pride of Tulunadu. There are various teams emerging in Mangaluru and other parts of coastal region that are performing the Pili Nalike.

During the tiger dance, teams perform various stunts like picking up the coins from the plate, opening the cap of a soda bottle and breaking the coconut and lemon with the head. There are also many other stunts including front and reverse slip and forward slip.

'Appe Pili' (Mother Tiger ) is an added attraction to the team of Pili Nalike (tiger dance). Usually, Appe Pili enters the dance when musicians play the song 'Dharani Mandala Madyadolage ... song.'

Commonly, there are black tigers in all the Pili Nalike teams. For each team 'black tigers' are a matter of pride.These black tigers become aggressive while performing stunts during their performance.

The concept of black tigers was first introduced by Kalicharan Friends. It is said that one Naveen had worn a black tiger costume for the first time in the district. Performing stunts in tiger dance is not an easy job. One should be physically fit and be ready to take risks.  

Now, there are a number of competitions to showcase talent of tiger dance. Several organisations are holding tiger dance competitions. 

The costumes and dance styles of the Pili Vesha dance in Mangaluru and Udupi districts are distinctly different. Even there are changes in the style of painting.