Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS/ANK)
Mangaluru, Oct 17: As Dasara festivities have begun in Tulunadu, the beating of the Taase (a type of drum) and tiger dance performances have also begun everywhere in the district of Dakshina Kannada.
There are many types of tiger costumes like Patte Pili, Chitte Pili, Pacche Pili, Appe Pili, Kappu Pili, Boldu Pili etc. One of the attracting points in the tiger costume is the garland of currency notes that dangle from the neck of the performers. In a tableau, the garland of currency notes is an honour.
It is customary for various renowned teams of tiger dancers to go around and perform during Dasara. One of such team member is addressed as the pride of the team and such person will be carrying a garland of currency notes given by the team members or friends. The value of garland begins from Rs 300 and goes to some lac of rupees also.
In the earlier days too, garlands of currency notes were put around the neck of the Tiger dance performers. During that time, the currency notes were pinned to a ribbon. However, now in place of ribbon, various designs have come in the market.
It takes a lot of effort to stitch the garland of notes. Rakshith Ullal is one such person who is involved himself in stitching the notes to make garlands during Dasara.
Rakshith, son of Ganesh Ullala and Jayanti couple, residents of Ullal Arasuhitlu, says, “Currency notes are beautifully designed, keeping them over a cardboard piece kept in a chart paper. Care is taken not to damage the currency notes. The garland can be prepared in various shapes. This work begins three months ahead of Ashtami.
“Rs 10 currency notes are not easily available at the moment. Hence I generally use currency notes of Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, and Rs 500 denominations. Some give the cash themselves. Others send the money to our account and we withdraw the money from bank and prepare the garland. Some want Rs 50,000 worth currency notes in one garland. Now the trend is catching up with marriages too.
“I have been making these currency notes garlands since four years as the demand is high for every Dasara. Over the years, the demand has risen. Last year, Rs five lac worth currency notes were used for the garlands. This time, already there is a demand for garland of Rs six lac worth currency notes.
“Teams like Biruver Kudla, Kodikere, Car Street and Ullal order such currency note garlands. I began preparing a garland with the help of a ribbon for one of my friend, four years ago. Later, I came to know that it is a common tradition to use garland currency notes in Gujarat. Hence, I had to go through YouTube and learn how to prepare the design for the garland.
“I started doing it alone, now my parents also help me out. We need to be very careful so that the notes do not get damaged. Even while fixing, we ensure that currency notes are not damaged.
“As I work in a finance company, I try and balance both business and profession. I wake up at 6 am and stay awake till 2 am in order to complete the orders of currency note garlands. I have even got 90 currency notes of US dollars to prepare a garland from it,” says Rakshith.