Although there is much hue and cry to save tigers at the national level, people of Mangalore are not too concerned about losing tigers as such - the Human tigers. Thanks to the traditional Huli (Pili) Vesha.
Pili (Tulu word for tiger) Vesha is performed by different groups here in yenkalna Kudla. One among them is the Jeppu Friends Tiger Camp. They very recently performed at the Mangaladevi Jathre celebrations as well. The tiger is the vehicle of Mangala Devi, the deity of Mangala Devi temple, thereby making the Pili Vesha performance all the more significant on the occasion.
Coastaldigest.com interviewed Raja Jeppu of Jeppu Friends Tiger Camp. A resident of Jeppina Mogaru with an experience of 32 years in this field, Raja works as a cab driver for his livelihood. What more does he have to say? Arron Menezes finds out:
1) How did you enter this field?
RJ: At the age of 5, I had a health problem. As I had a poor economic background, I could not afford to go to the doctor. I then took a vow at the Mangala Devi temple that I will perform Pili Vesha. Since then, I am in this field and have never been seriously ill after that.
2) How many times in a year do you perform Pili Vesha?
RJ: Basically two times in the year - once during the Dasara Festival and the other during the Mangaladevi Temple annual celebrations that usually fall in March.
3) What are the customs to be followed for Pili Vesha?
RJ: Consumption of only vegetarian food till the particular festival ends, complete shaving of the body, standing still throughout the night etc are some of customs involved in it.
4) Anything unique in Pili Vesha?
RJ: Earlier, in a Pili Vesha perforrmance, there was a particular tradition of throwing sheep in the air by one’s teeth. After the ban by animal rights activists, now we perform the act with Mudi (a traditional packing for rice) which holds 30 to 40 kg of rice. They have to throw it high up in the air with the help of their teeth. Many a time, injuries take place. You need a lot of nerves for this.
5) How do you prepare for this?
RJ: During Chauti the mahurtam will be good, we all usually start that time. We call it Oodu Dipina. We practice all the steps and risky actions till Dasara, and then go for the show.
6) What are the differences you have seen in Pili Vesha performances throughout these years?
RJ: Earlier, we used to have a particular order and specified number of dancers and steps, but now at a time almost 30 tigers dance. No particular style is observed and the youth of today don’t have the stamina. They get tired very soon.
Before only three major teams were there - Mangaladevi, Emmekere and Jodumarga. Over the years it has split and have led to the formation of many teams.
In this dance anyone from the age of 5 to 60 years can dance. It depends on their interest and stamina.
From the day our bodies are painted, we do not consume non-vegetarian food for 9 days. The obligation should be followed seriously or else there will be problems during performances. We do not go home until the paint is there on the body. We sleep on Mundi leaf.
Earlier, paint was prepared with certain herbs. But that would contribute to a lot of heat. Now we use oil paint.
7) You must have won many awards and visited many places…
RJ: I was honoured with the Century wild life award 2004 and 2007 by ABN Amro Bank Bombay and Discovery Channel. I won the 1st Place in Tulu Vishwa Sammelana, Dharmastala. I have performed in countries like France, Germany, and UAE (Dubai).
8) Does this act give you satisfaction in life?
RJ: Yes, I have love and passion for this art. Pili Vesha is the art of Tulunadu. It is even looked down upon, because of a few irresponsible dancers who have spoiled the name of the art by creating problems with their liquor consumption. But still, when the drum beats start hitting my ear, the heart starts to dance with them and the mind synchronises the beats...
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