Kudla tiger dance rocks in Muscat

Muscat: During this Dasara, the glory of Mangaluru Pilivesha reached the shores of Oman in the Gulf with a riveting performance by nine tiger dancers to the mesmerizing tiger dance beats. The team of nine included three tiny tigers, namely Pavan Nitin Kumar, Ayush Shridhar Amin and Sannavi Nitin Kumar. This was part of the gala Garbha/Dandia evening organized by Oman Billawas as part of Dasara celebrations. The event took place on Friday, October 12, at Al Maasa Hall, in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

The evening commenced with lighting of lamp by the ladies of Oman Billawas. Kids recited melodious prayers, following which Umesh Jeppu performed the Mangalarathi of Goddess Durga and prasadam was distributed. After the formal welcome by Cultural Secretary Amitha Sridhar, Ashwini Rohidas spoke on the meaning of Navarathri and the significance of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. She highlighted the importance of this festival which signifies power, wealth, prosperity and knowledge.

The dance floor was then open for everyone to join in the Garbha dance. The enthusiasm with which members and their families participated in the dance was contagious. Soon the floor was overflowing with children, ladies and the gentlemen, donning colorful attire and dancing merrily to the melodies churned out by DJ Sandeep Suvarna.

The tiger dance coordinated by Praveen Amin and his team of nine tigers was a major attraction of the evening. With their faces beautifully painted by Vijay Kodialbail and donning the tiger suits the team put up a mind boggling performance which was enjoyed and appreciated by all. After the performance, many of the members, including ladies and children stepped on to the dance floor to perform tiger dance to the melodious beats provided by DJ Sandy, and the lights and sound was provided by Uttam Kotian. After this the festivities continued with all members participating in the Dandia dance.

During a break in the dance activities, a promotional video of an upcoming Tulu movie “Kambalabettu Bhatrena Magal” was played, featuring budding Billawa talents of Mangalore, Shailu Birwa, Sharath Poojary Kapu, Lavanya Kotian and Sanket Poojary. Promotional for another movie “2 Ekre” by Sandesh Raj Bangera was also screened. The fun activities included a raffle draw wherein 8 lucky winners were given high value prizes which were sponsored by Mr.& Mrs Manohar Salian, Mr& Mrs. Dinesh Poojary and Mr& Mrs. Rathan Kumar.

The highlight of the evening was the snacks boxes organized by Mr & Mrs. Uttam Kotian and homemade food which was prepared by our Oman Billawa ladies, which was enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. Curtains were drawn on an eventful evening with a vote of thanks by Vijay Kodialbail. The dance and festivities continued till late in the night.