Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has said that Pili Parba is an excellent example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, which emphasises development alongside the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
Inaugurating the day-long Pili Parba, organised by Kudla Samskruthika Prathistana at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on Sunday, October 18, Chowta said the growing participation of young people in traditional cultural events reflected renewed interest in the region’s customs and heritage.
He recalled that three years ago, the organisers had been uncertain whether young people would show sufficient interest in traditional events such as Pili Parba and Kambala. Today, however, these events attract young participants in large numbers, demonstrating their continuing relevance among the younger generation.
Traditional tiger dance attracts younger generations
Chowta said Pili Nalike, the traditional tiger dance of the coastal region, was being presented in ways that appealed to young people while retaining its devotional significance, discipline and cultural identity.
Pili Nalike, commonly known as Pili Vesham, is an integral part of the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka, particularly during the Navaratri and Dasara festivities. Performers paint their bodies with tiger-like patterns and dance to traditional percussion, bringing the streets alive with vibrant displays of local heritage.
The art form is closely associated with community celebrations and religious festivities in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Over the years, organised Pili Nalike teams have helped sustain the tradition by bringing performers together and providing platforms for public performances.
Chowta said the increasing enthusiasm among young people for such cultural activities was encouraging. He noted that traditional art forms could continue to thrive when they were presented in engaging ways without losing their original character and values.
He also highlighted the importance of passing these traditions on to future generations so that the cultural identity of the coastal region remains strong.
Kudla Samskruthika Prathistana commended
Commending Kudla Samskruthika Prathistana for organising Pili Parba for the fifth consecutive year, Chowta praised its efforts to encourage Pili Nalike teams and strengthen traditional customs.
The Prathistana is led by Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath. Its continued organisation of the event has provided a platform for performers and helped bring the traditional art form to a wider audience.
Chowta said initiatives that encourage people to embrace their cultural roots contribute to nation-building. He linked the preservation of regional traditions with the broader vision of ensuring that India’s development does not come at the cost of its diverse cultural heritage.
The ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ approach seeks to combine economic and social progress with the protection and promotion of India’s heritage. In the coastal Karnataka context, traditional practices such as Pili Nalike and Kambala remain important expressions of community identity.
The growing participation in these events, Chowta observed, offered encouragement to organisers working to preserve local customs and make them relevant to changing generations.
Cultural leaders and BJP members attend
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Kudla Cultural Foundation honorary president Giridhar Shetty, president Divakar Pandeshwar and members Naresh Shenoy, Lalith Mendon, Kiran Shenoy, Chetan Kamath, Jagadish Kadri, Ashwith Kottari, Naresh Prabhu and Sahan.
District BJP general secretary Premanand Shetty, mandal president Ramesh Kandettu, former Mangaluru City Corporation members and others were also present.
The participation of cultural organisers, public representatives and community members reflected the wider support for initiatives aimed at promoting the region’s traditional art forms.
Preserving coastal Karnataka’s cultural identity
Pili Parba has become a platform for celebrating Pili Nalike and encouraging public participation in the traditional tiger dance. By bringing performers and audiences together, the event helps maintain the visibility of a cultural practice closely associated with the identity of coastal Karnataka.
The fifth consecutive edition also highlights the role of local cultural organisations in sustaining traditions through regular public events. Such initiatives create opportunities for experienced performers to pass on their knowledge and encourage younger participants to learn and practise traditional art forms.
Chowta’s remarks underscored the importance of keeping cultural heritage alive while allowing it to evolve in ways that connect with contemporary audiences.
The event at Nehru Maidan thus celebrated not only the vibrancy of Pili Nalike but also the continuing interest of younger generations in the customs of their region.