Tiger Dancers Seek Govt Aid for Traditional Art

The Pili Nalike Prathisthana has formally requested the state government to provide an annual assistance of at least Rs 2 lakh to each registered tiger dance team in the undivided Dakshina Kannada region. This initiative aims to offer a lasting solution to the financial difficulties faced by practitioners of this traditional art form.

Approximately 150 registered teams actively participate in major festivals like Dasara, Krishna Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The Prathisthana's president, Mithun Rai, highlighted that financial support should be directed towards teams with a minimum of five years of performance history, ensuring the funds benefit genuine practitioners.

The organization plans to host the 11th edition of 'Pili Nalike' at the Karavali Utsava Grounds on Tuesday. This event will feature nine participating teams and is scheduled to conclude by 11 pm to minimize inconvenience to local residents. The competition aims to preserve and popularize the traditional dance form, with prizes totaling Rs 10 lakh for the top three teams.

Individual awards and stipends for participating teams will also be distributed. The event seeks to promote Tulunadu's cultural heritage globally, with invitations extended to various dignitaries, including celebrities and political figures. Several Commonwealth Games medallists and international athletes will also be honored during the event.