Mangaluru: The invitation brochure for the fifth annual ‘Pili Ajane’ tiger dance event was released at the Kudroli Sri Bhagavathi Temple in Mangaluru, marking the beginning of preparations for the much-awaited cultural programme.
The event, which has become a popular attraction among residents and visitors over the past four years, is being organised under the leadership of Sri Pramod Karkera and the Pili Ajane team. The fifth edition will once again bring together renowned Huli Kunitha (Tiger Dance) troupes from Mangaluru for an evening of vibrant performances and cultural celebrations.
Fifth edition to be held on October 21
The organisers announced that the fifth edition of Pili Ajane will be held on Wednesday, October 21. Various cultural programmes have been planned ahead of the main tiger dance performances.
Pili Ajane has gained recognition for showcasing the traditional art of Huli Kunitha, in which performers dressed and painted as tigers dance to energetic traditional music and rhythms. The performances are known for their colourful presentation, vigorous movements and connection with the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka.
Over the past four editions, the event held near Deepa Comforts in Mangaluru city has attracted public attention through performances by several well-known tiger dance troupes.
Special puja held at Kudroli temple
Ahead of the invitation brochure release, a special puja was offered at the Kudroli Sri Bhagavathi Temple.
Following the religious ceremony, the invitation brochure for the fifth edition was formally released in the presence of members of the Pili Ajane organising team and well-wishers.
The temple ceremony reflected the association of the event with the cultural traditions of the coastal region. Pili Ajane aims to provide a platform for Huli Kunitha performers while bringing traditional art before a wider audience.
Traditional tiger dance remains major attraction
Huli Kunitha, popularly known as tiger dance, is one of the distinctive folk performance traditions associated with coastal Karnataka. Performers traditionally appear in tiger-themed body paint and costumes and dance to percussion-based music.
The energetic performances have long been an important part of festivals and cultural celebrations in the region. In Mangaluru, tiger dance performances are particularly associated with the festive season and attract audiences of different age groups.
The Pili Ajane event provides a dedicated platform for such performances. With several established troupes expected to participate, the organisers said audiences can look forward to captivating and thrilling performances during this year’s programme.
The inclusion of cultural programmes before the main tiger dance performances is also expected to add variety to the event.
Organising team makes preparations
Sri Pramod Karkera, along with Prem Salyan, Hitesh Baikal, Karthik and Rakshit R., led the programme associated with the release of the invitation brochure.
Pujari, Yashpal Salyan, Ranjith, Harshit, Ashish, Anush, Sharul, Pradeep and other members of the Pili Ajane team were also present.
With the invitation brochure release, preparations for the fifth edition have formally gathered momentum. The organisers are making arrangements for the cultural programmes and tiger dance performances scheduled for October 21.
Celebration of coastal culture
The fifth annual Pili Ajane is expected to continue the momentum built during the event’s previous four editions. By bringing together renowned tiger dance troupes, the programme aims to celebrate Huli Kunitha and keep the traditional art form connected with contemporary audiences.
The October 21 programme is set to offer residents an evening centred on Huli Kunitha, music, cultural performances and the festive spirit associated with Mangaluru’s traditional celebrations.