Roaring performances enthrall audience at Pili Nalike, Pili Parba events

Mangaluru: The sound of drums and 'taase' filled the air as tiger dancers presented entertaining performances during the ninth edition of Pili Nalike 2024 at Karavali Utsav grounds on Saturday.

The competition, organised by Pili Nalike Prathishtana and Namma TV, continued till late night. It witnessed the participation of 11 teams, with each one of them given 20 minutes to perform on the stage. As the names were announced, the teams arrived in a procession wielding 'Jhande'.

There were 'Mari huli', 'tayi huli', 'kari huli', 'patte huli' among the tigers that performed flips and reverse jumps. The reverse jumps by the artistes received a thunderous applause from the audience.

The teams also performed to the well-known Kannada folk song 'Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage'. The winning team will be taking part in the National Day celebrations of Bahrain on December 16, said Mithun Rai of the prathishtana.

Indian cricketer Shivam Dube was the chief guest.

Pili Parba

Kudla Pili Parba 2024 season-3, organised by the Kudla Cultural Foundation, under the guidance of former MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, and the leadership of MLA D Vedavyas Kamath, ended at the Nehru Maidan on Friday late night.

In a fierce competition between 10 teams, Mulihithlu Friends Circle won the crown of Pili Parba 2024. The second prize was claimed by the Puraldappena Mokeda Bollilu Polali Tigers, while the Nandigudde Friends Babugudde and Team Kallega Tigers Puttur teams shared the third spot.

Among the special prizes, Talent Tigers Tulunadu team won 'Kappu Pili' (Black Tiger) award, while Mulihithlu Friends Circle team bagged 'Mari Huli' (cub Tiger) award. The most anticipated 'Parbada Pili' (Tiger of the Festival), was awarded to Team Kallega Tigers Puttur.

Team Parashurama Kudla was recognised as the most disciplined team. The second prize in the painting and procession category was won by SKB Tigers Kumpala.

Nandigudde Friends Babugudde won the prize in the Mudi category (rice wrapped in straws, weighing 42-kg thrown with the help of teeth), while MFT Mulihithlu secured the first place in the 'Dharani Mandala' and procession category.

In the himmela music category, the Puraldappena Mokeda Bollilu Polali Tigers took home the prize. All participating teams were felicitated with consolation awards.

During the inauguration of the Pili parba, Dakshin Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said Tuluva culture was the uniqueness of the district. "Let us all work towards saving the culture and tradition of the land."

Film actors Rishab Shetty, Raj B Shetty, DK BJP president Sathish Kumpala, Mayor Manoj Kodikal, SCDCC president Rajendra Kumar and others were present.