Inside Tulu Nadu's Pili Kola Festival, The 5-Day Event That Draws Thousands Of Devotees

The ancient celebration of Pili Kola, one of the seven jatras of erstwhile Tulu Nadu, commenced on May 5 at Kapu, Udupi (Karnataka). This event, held once every two years, has been reduced from nine days to five days in duration. Devotees from across the undivided Dakshina Kannada district and coastal natives, settled in Mumbai, flocked to witness Pili Kola on Saturday. Historically, Tulu Nadu extended from the Gangavalli River in the north to the Chandragiri River in the south. Presently, it encompasses the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala, although it lacks official administrative recognition. The centre of attraction of Pili Kola is the performance at the Sri Brahma Muggerkala Hulichandi temple deity in Padu village of Kapu. Before Pili Kola, the Nemotsava of Parivar deities, including Babbarya, Kodamanittaya, and Nandikeshwara, take place. Following this, the Nema (Kapuda Pili Kola) of the Hulichandi Deity takes place.

On the morning of the Kola, the dancer of Pili Bhuta is anointed with oil before bathing alongside villagers. Subsequent prayers are offered to the deity, followed by the traditional offering of a male calf to the tiger god through Kapu Bairuguttinar, after which the deity dancer is enclosed in a cage for colouring.

Following rituals lasting about two hours, Pili Kola commences with the tiger god emerging from the cage dramatically. Devotees begin their worship by settling near the deity a week before its construction. The divine dancer adheres to strict rules during this occasion, accompanied by assistants holding ropes on either side as the deity visits the village.

The Tulu Nadu region boasts a rich cultural heritage. Yakshagana, a night-long dance and drama performance, is celebrated with enthusiasm. Pilivesha, a unique form of folk dance performed during Marnemi (Tulu term for Dussehra) and Krishna Janmashtami, captivates audiences of all ages. Another highlight is the Karadi Vesha (Bear Dance), a popular performance during Dasara in Tulu Nadu.

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