Mangaluru: The traditional tiger dance competition “Pilinalike 2”, Inaugurated at the Volleyball Court, at Mangala Stadium here on October 22.

Dr Santhosh Bharati Guruji of Barkur Vidhyabharati Math Inaugurated the “Pilinalike 2”, by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais. The Barke Tiger Dance Team performed for the inaugural programme.

Speaking on the occassion Guruji said, “Durga Devi has blessed Mithun Rai to hold this competition. In the tradition of Karnataka, during the 10 days of Dasara, people depict Ramayana and Mahabarata in various ways. In all the districts, Dasara is celebrated according to the tradition and culture of the respective district. The tiger dance is a traditional dance and the dancers go from house to house, dancing and entertaining people. But no one recognizes them. Tiger dancers do not have any platform, but today, Mithun Rai has given them a platform to exhibit their talents. Tiger dance has its own style of dance, steps, music and presentation. We all join together to celebrate only Ganeshotsava and Vijayadashami, but Mithun Rai has brought all the people of Mangaluru under one umbrella by organizing the Pilinalike.”

He further said that nowadays youth are addicted to modern gadgets and they do not participate in any programmes. “But Mithun Rai has the capacity to bring together all the youth. In the coming days, he will surely emerge as a popular political leader. Let Mithun serve the society and let God bless him to continue his good work.”

District Minister in-charge, Ramanath Rai said that Dakshina Kannada is a district of festivals. “When we organize any programme in the night, it will go on for the entire night. Aata, Kola, Nema and Yakshagana go on throughout the night. A tiger denotes a strong animal; when a person has the capacity to do work, people call him a tiger (Pili). In Karnataka, we have 404 tigers and our state has the highest number of tigers in the country. Not only is tiger a beautiful animal, but it is also the indicator of the health of the forest. Saving the tiger means, saving the forests, thus securing food and water for all.

Police commissioner S Murugan said, “Mithun Rai and Namma TV has given an opportunity for the tiger dancers to exhibit their talents which is commendable. Tiger Dance is a unique form of folk dance in Dakshina kannada that fascinates the young and the old alike. When I see the Pilinalike, I feel like dancing myself.” He congratulated the organizers and wished success to the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Mithin Rai said that during the first competition, Ramanath Rai had assured to take the winning team to Bengaluru to dance in the Vidhana Soudha. According to that, he kept his promise and took the entire team to Bengaluru to present their dance and had the team exhibit their dance from Lalbagh to Vidhana Soudha.

The event was organised by Mithun Rai, President of the District Youth Congress in association with ‘Namma TV’.

Music Director Guru Kiran, Namma TV Director Shivasharan and others were also present.