The tradition of performing tiger dance by donning ‘Huli Vesha’ during Dasara or Navaratri celebrations is in vogue in Karnataka’s coastal belt, especially in Mangaluru
Started by Bajilakeri Krishnappa back in 1928, it has remained a family team for 95 years.
The tiger dance appears to have its roots in the animal worship tradition to appease animals so that they do not harm their farming animals.
According to mythology, tiger is the vehicle of Goddess Durga.
These troupes mainly perform during Dasara though a few of them perform during other occasions like Sri Krishna Janmasthami and temple fairs.
Members of Mulihitlu Friend Circle Jagadamba Huli team in Mangaluru on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
These troupes mainly perform during Dasara though a few of them perform during other occasions like Sri Krishna Janmasthami and temple fairs.
Dancers paint their bodies using chemical paint after a through shave and bath using channa dal flour.
Reporting: Raviprasad Kamila
Visuals: H.S. Manjunath
Production and Voiceover: Yuvasree S
