MANGALURU: Tiger dances, tribal-inspired displays, mythological scenes and carnival-themed creations are set to add colour to the grand Mangaluru Dasara procession on October 21, as participating teams and artists prepare elaborate tableaux blending tradition with contemporary visual effects.
The annual procession, organised as part of the Dasara celebrations centred on Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Kshetra, will bring together long-standing participants and creative teams experimenting with new themes. From familiar tiger dance performances to Kerala-inspired displays and imaginative carnival concepts, this year’s procession promises a diverse showcase of coastal Karnataka’s cultural traditions.
Long-standing teams prepare traditional favourites
Manjalbail, one of the oldest participants in the Kudroli procession, is preparing to present the popular Pili Yesa or tiger dance. The team is working to make its performance more prominent this year, according to its general secretary, Charan.
Barke Friends, which has participated in the procession for 34 years, is preparing three tableaux featuring tiger-themed displays, a Kerala-inspired presentation and Sharada. Team member Karthik said the group develops new concepts every year as expectations surrounding Mangaluru Dasara continue to grow.
Kalicharan, now in its 42nd year, will also present three tableaux. Its planned themes include Pili, a Kerala setting and a Nashik band, according to team president Vijayendra Salian.
Meanwhile, Vijaya Games Team from Bolar, which participates in the Mangaladevi Temple procession, is keeping its latest concept under wraps. Secretary Shravan said team members collectively discuss and develop their displays. Earlier presentations included Andhakasuravadhe and Sri Kailasa.
Artists experiment with new visual concepts
Alongside traditional religious and cultural themes, artists are exploring fresh ideas to make their tableaux more visually distinctive.
Vipin Acharya, originally from Kannur in Kerala and a Mangaluru resident for 14 years, is creating a carnival-themed tableau for Biruver Kudla. The concept incorporates elaborate artwork inspired by the eighth and ninth centuries, offering a different visual approach from the religious narratives commonly seen in the procession.
Acharya, an art director in Tulu films, has previously designed displays for groups including Biruver Kudla, Kudla Brothers, Young Tulver and Shiva Friends. He described the demanding work involved in preparing elaborate creations while festival audiences enjoy the celebrations.
Another artist, Vikky Kulal, is also working on a tableau for Biruver Kudla. His concept combines tribal themes, pillar-like statues and elements inspired by the film Tiger Safari. LED lighting effects are expected to enhance the presentation.
Tradition meets technology in the procession
Artist and writer Santosh Pucher said tableau presentations have evolved through the use of improved materials, sound effects and more dynamic storytelling techniques.
Mythological narratives and displays centred on deities continue to dominate the procession. However, teams increasingly combine these familiar themes with dance, music and audiovisual effects to create more engaging presentations.
Some participants are also developing concepts intended to appeal to younger audiences. Kerala-inspired themes and Chenda performances are expected to add further variety to the procession.
The combination of traditional art forms and modern presentation techniques reflects how Mangaluru Dasara’s public celebrations continue to evolve while retaining their cultural roots.
A showcase of coastal Karnataka’s cultural heritage
The illuminated tableaux and performances are a major attraction of Mangaluru Dasara, drawing participation from teams that have spent decades developing their distinctive styles. Their preparations involve artists, organisers and performers working together to complete elaborate displays before the procession.
This year’s programme will feature the familiar energy of tiger dances alongside tribal-inspired artwork, mythological storytelling, regional influences and carnival-style creativity. Together, these presentations are expected to highlight the artistic diversity that makes the Mangaluru Dasara procession a prominent cultural event in coastal Karnataka.