Mangalore : The Hanuman Temple at Bajilakeri on Nellikai Road in Mangalore is quite famous. It was here that B Krishnappa had formed the Bajilakeri Hulivesha team 85 years ago.

The Hulivesha team which was thus first formed in 1928 at Bajilakeri continues even today under the leadership of Corporator Bajilakeri Kamalaksha, the son of late B Krishnappa. The Huli Vesha team is formed under the Kesari Friends Circle banner. Today this team is proud of presenting shows not only in Mangalore, but across the nation and around the globe. Every year 50 to 60 tigers get ready during Dasara.

Speaking to Mega Media News, Bajilakeri Kamalaksha said it takes at least four hours for the paint to dry up and that mostly the Huli Vesha is put as part of a Harake. “ What I have learnt from my father is passed on to present generation. Our ardent wish is to promote this art,” says Kamalaksha.

In the past Huli Vesha teams used to take part in Dasara procession by standing on a Latte or a wooden plank, while in recent times Huli Vesha teams participate in procession in tableaxu. The credit of ntrodcing truck tableaux for Huli Vesha teams goes to Bajilakeri team,he said.

The Bajilakeri family itself prepares the head gears for the Huli Veshadharis while Ramesh, Praveen, Annu and other artistes assist in painting works. He says the paints on the body of Huliveshadharis do not cause any allergy as all the Veshadharis are subject to blood test by Dr Muralidhar Pai of Fr Muller Hospital. He also said good quality colour is used.

The Bajilakeri team takes part in the Dasara procession of Carstreet Sri Venkatramana Temple. It had even travelled to Haridwar and Bahrain to present shows there.

He also added that Huli Vesha is not their profession but the team is continuing the practice started by his father.

It is on Vijaya Dashami Day that the a group of 50 Huliveshadharis gets ready after offering pooja at Hanuman Temple and gives performances at select places.

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