Mangaluru: Navaratri tiger dance fever grips coastal Karnataka!

Mangaluru: The spirit of Navaratri is in full swing across coastal Karnataka, and one cultural spectacle that steals the limelight is the vibrant Huli Vesha or Tiger Dance. The festive fever is contagious, with the entire region gearing up for this annual extravaganza that has become a massive crowd-puller. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, find joy in witnessing this unique dance, which is known for its energy, coordination, and acrobatic performances.

The tradition of Huli Vesha (Tiger Dance) is deeply rooted in devotion. It is believed to have originated as an offering to the goddess for fulfilling a vow or seeking divine protection. Over the years, this ancient tradition has evolved into a grand display of cultural pride in the Tulu Nadu region. Huli Vesha troupes, consisting of over 50 famous teams from Mangaluru and its surrounding areas, compete with each other, showcasing mesmerizing performances that captivate audiences.

While the tradition has seen commercialization over time, with various styles and variations emerging, the core elements of faith and ritual remain unchanged. The dance cuts across caste, religion, and community barriers, symbolizing harmony and unity in diversity.

Training Behind the Tiger Stripes

The performers who don the tiger stripes are not just skilled dancers but trained athletes. Their agile movements and daring stunts are a result of rigorous practice and physical endurance. Many of the traditional moves, such as the Tale Bugguni (reverse headstand), Monkey Dive, walking on hands, and carrying rice sacks on their heads, demand intense training and discipline. These feats not only entertain but also leave the audience awestruck by the agility and stamina of the performers.

The Huli Vesha performers also blend modern dance forms with their traditional routines, creating a unique and captivating fusion. This mix of the old and the new has further heightened the appeal of the dance, especially among the younger generation.

The Origins of Huli Vesha

Several legends surround the origins of Huli Vesha:

The Tale of a Mother’s Prayer: It is said that many years ago, a mother prayed at the Mangaladevi Temple for her child, who was unable to walk. She vowed to dress her child in tiger stripes and offer a dance if the child gained the ability to walk. Her prayers were answered, and the child walked, leading to the birth of this tradition, which continues as a part of religious vows to this day.

The Hunter’s Protection: Another story speaks of a time when tigers frequently attacked the people living around the Mangaladevi region. To seek divine protection, the villagers promised to don tiger costumes and perform a dance in thanksgiving if the attacks stopped. The attacks ceased, and thus began the tradition of Huli Vesha.

Goddess Durga’s Tiger: The tiger, being the vehicle of Goddess Durga, plays a significant role in this tradition. The tiger dance is performed as an offering to please the goddess and seek her blessings.

Grand Tiger Dance Competitions

In recent years, the celebration of Huli Vesha has reached new heights, not just as a cultural and religious observance but also as a competitive event. Several organizations now host tiger dance competitions, drawing large crowds and intense participation.

One of the most popular events is the ‘Pili Nalike’ festival, organized by the Pili Nalike Pratishthana. This year marks the 9th edition of the event, which will be held on October 12 at the Karavali Utsav Grounds in Mangaluru. Another grand celebration, the Pili Parba, is scheduled for October 11 at Central Maidan and is organized by Kudla Samskritika Pratishthana. Additionally, Pili Gobbu, organized by Vijaya Samrat Puttur, will take place at the Puttur Temple, adding to the region’s festive fervor.

The winners of the ‘Pili Nalike’ competition will get an exclusive opportunity to participate in a national-level festival in Bahrain on December 16, marking a significant achievement for the participating troupes. Moreover, there’s a unique initiative where each winning team will sponsor the education of an underprivileged student, providing scholarships under a Vidya Nidhi program.

This year’s Huli Vesha promises to be bigger and more vibrant than ever, as coastal Karnataka embraces its cultural roots and puts on a spectacular show for the world to witness.

Translated version of Kannada article by Dinesh Ira