Mangaluru: Every year for the Mangaluru Dasara, a beautiful procession is held where there are several performances by arists, the main attraction among them being the famous tiger dancers (Pili Vesha, Pili Nalike). Tens of Pili Nalike troupes grace the occasion with different tableaus and there is even a grand stage performance where tiger dancers from different age groups perform before a cheering audience.

Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath on Monday, October 26, proudly posted a video of his youngest son performing the follk Pili Nalike for an audience in the city. Although he was missing the traditional tiger costume and paint, he was definitely not missing any of the energy and style.

Taking to Facebook on Monday, the MLA wrote, “The DANCING PILI in this VIDEO is my SON Vedanth Kamath. Every year his energy rises when it comes to performing Pili Nalike. The TRADITION and CULTURE of Tulunad is in his blood and he manages to give it brilliantly. I am sure he will have his own team of TIGERS dancing during Navaratri when he grows up. Our Tradition, Our Pride.”

He also posted a link in the comments to another of Vedanth dancing to the familiar beats of the Pili Nalike last year.

It can be noted that this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a terrible shadow over all forms of gaieties and festivities, including the Dasara festival that is celebrated all over India. Owing to the health risks and the guidelines of the government, the Pili Nalike performances this year have been restricted only to the temples, where the folk art is performed for the deities. The Dakshina Kannada district administration allowed a maximum of 10 persons to partake in the Pili Nalike in each temple premises.