Pics: Dayananda Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 2: Dasara is not merely a celebration in Mangaluru — it’s a deep-rooted cultural emotion. Among the many vibrant traditions that define the coastal city's festivities, none capture the spirit of the occasion quite like the Huli Vesha (Tiger Dance).

This year, the spotlight once again shone on the Ballal Bagh Friends (R) troupe, as they marked 18 spectacular years of keeping this tradition alive—with rhythm, colour and commitment.

Founded in 2008 by a group of spirited youngsters, the team has evolved into a powerhouse of performance, now boasting over 100 active members and an ever-growing fan base. What began as a local initiative has grown into a major highlight of Mangaluru Dasara, drawing crowds by the thousands year after year.

The team kicked off their milestone 18th-year celebrations with a lavish pooja ceremony held at the ground beside Shree Devi College in Mangaluru. This was followed by an electrifying tiger dance performance that featured more than 90 artistes in full costume, much to the delight of the gathered spectators.

The event drew the presence of several prominent personalities, underscoring the team’s growing cultural influence. Among those in attendance were Vedavyas Kamath, MLA for Mangaluru South; Dr Y Bharath Shetty, MLA for Mangaluru North; VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell; Raviraj Shetty of Nitte Guthu; Ganesh Shetty, proprietor of Foodland Hotel; community leader Jitendra Kottary; and Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld Media, among others.

While the tiger dance remains their signature, Ballal Bagh Friends (R) have steadily embraced a broader role within society. Over the years, the group has organised numerous blood donation camps, conducted annadana (free meal distribution) programmes, and extended various forms of aid and support to the underprivileged and physically challenged. By weaving social commitment into their cultural work, the team has emerged as a symbol of youth-led community service in Mangaluru.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, group leader Rakshith Kottary said, “We are not just a dance troupe—we are a movement. This is about preserving tradition, expressing art, and giving back to society. That’s what drives us year after year.” He further noted that their consistent presence in the iconic Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple Dasara procession has become a point of pride—not just for the team but for the entire city.

Over the past 18 years, Ballal Bagh Friends (R) have transformed from a passionate group of enthusiasts into one of Mangaluru’s most cherished cultural collectives. Their performances have become more than just visual spectacles; they are heartfelt tributes to tradition, executed with discipline, devotion and infectious energy.

As the drumbeats echo through the streets of Mangaluru this Dasara, the roar of Ballal Bagh Friends (R) serves as a powerful reminder that when culture, commitment and community come together, tradition doesn’t just survive—it thrives.