Tiger, tiger,'dancing' bright..!

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)
October 14, 2013
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Mangalore, Oct 14: As'Mangaluru Dasara' concluded here with a grand and colourful procession on Monday evening, all other festivities associated with it came to a close as well.

The enthralling dance-form of'pili vesha' (tiger dance) which is a unique and integral part of festivities in'Tulu Nadu' is often seen on streets being performed to drum-beats.

Artists get together and perform in groups, collecting donations as they go by. Young children and adults alike dance to captivating beats of drums and perform somersaults and sometimes dangerous acrobatic acts to capture the attention of people.

One such troupe is the'Friends Circle' from Ballalbagh, Mangalore, who performed'pili vesha' in processions and gatherings throughout the Dasara festival to keep their audience entertained.

Around 60 members in the troupe painted their bodies with attractive colours to make themselves resemble tigers, leopards and cheetahs.

With mane-like headgear and tiger masks, they are all set to go. Performing together, this troupe like many others in the region visit houses and other places along with their drummers and perform all through the day in the city, sometimes in return for gifts and money from their audience.

Although the performers religiously take part in all the celebrations, it is also a time for some of them to earn some extra money during the festive season of Dasara.

A large number of people usually gather to watch their acts that are unique to Tulunad. Watching the members of the troupe flip high in the air is a delight to everyone, irrespective of age.

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