At Kapu, Udupi (Karnataka), the historic Pili Kola jatra, one of the seven jatras of the former Tulu Nadu, began its celebration on May 5. The length of this once-every-two-year event has been shortened from nine to five days. Pili Kola attracted devotees from all across the split Dakshina Kannada region as well as coastal residents living in Mumbai on Saturday. In the past, Tulu Nadu spanned the Chandragiri River in the south and the Gangavalli River in the north. It now includes the districts of Kasaragod in Kerala, the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka, and Dakshina Kannada in Kerala, however it is not recognized by the formal administrative system. The performance at the Sri Brahma Muggerkala Hulichandi temple deity at Padu village of Kapu is the main draw of Pili Kola. The Nemotsava of Parivar deities, such as Nandikeshwara, Babbarya, and Kodamanittaya, occurs before to Pili Kola. The Hulichandi Deity’s Nema (Kapuda Pili Kola) occurs after this.
The Pili Bhuta dancer gets anointed with oil on the morning of the Kola and then bathes with the locals. The god is then prayed to, and the custom of presenting a male calf to the tiger god via Kapu Bairuguttinar is performed. The deity dancer is then placed in a cage to be colored.
Pili Kola begins with a spectacular appearance of the tiger deity emerging from the cage after around two hours of rites. A week before to the deity’s erection, devotees begin their adoration by taking up residence close to it. On this occasion, the goddess dancer follows very stringent guidelines. She is escorted by helpers who hold ropes on each side while the goddess makes her way through the hamlet.
The area of Tulu Nadu has a rich cultural legacy. Yakshagana is a nightlong celebration of dance and theater that is eagerly anticipated. A distinctive kind of traditional dance known as Pilivesha, which is performed on Krishna Janmashtami and Marnemi (the Tuluge word for Dussehra), enthralls spectators of all ages. The Karadi Vesha (Bear Dance), a well-liked show during Dasara in Tulu Nadu, is another highlight.