Media Release
Nieuwegein (Netherlands), Apr 14: In a landmark moment for the Tulu-speaking diaspora in Europe, Tulu Koota Netherlands celebrated Bisu 2026 — Bisu Parba — on April 12 at De Partner Concert Hall, Nieuwegein, drawing over 100 participants from across the Netherlands and beyond.
The event brought together members of the Tulu-speaking community tracing their roots to Mangaluru, Udupi, Kasargod, Puttur, Sullya, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and other parts of coastal Karnataka and Kerala. For many, it was a reunion steeped in shared heritage, language, and nostalgia — a vibrant echo of the beloved Tulunadu in the heart of Europe.
About Bisu: The Traditional New Year & Spring Festival of Tulunadu
Bisu is the traditional New Year and spring harvest festival of the Tulu-speaking people of coastal Karnataka and Kerala — akin to Ugadi celebrated across Karnataka. Bisu marks the arrival of Vasantha (Spring) and the fruiting of the earth, a day of new beginnings and gratitude to nature. Just as Bisu heralds new life on the land of Tulu Naadu, Bisu 2026 heralds the continued growth of a vibrant Tulu cultural institution in the Netherlands and in Europe.
A Cultural Extravaganza Rooted in Tradition
The event was organised with meticulous care by Gautham Puthran, who served as the Gurikara — the traditional community leader — channelling eight weeks of preparation into a seamless celebration. A pooja of Tulu Appe (the Mother Tulu Goddess) was conducted with traditional Panate invocations. Sujan compered the event with warmth and ease, entirely in the Tulu language. The programme was a melting pot of music, dance, singing, children's games, and a Tulu quiz.
The Star of the Show: Pili Nalike — Tiger Dance
The undisputed highlight was the Pili Nalike — the traditional Tiger Dance of coastal Karnataka — believed to be one of the first performances of this cultural tradition at such scale in the Netherlands. The performance electrified the audience. Group Baila followed, drawing participants joyfully to their feet.
A Feast of Tulu Flavours
The community relished Rotti with Kori Gassi (non-vegetarian) and Special Gassi (vegetarian) — a variety of coastal Indian culinary tradition unmatched in the Netherlands — along with traditional Tulu delicacies. High tea revived cherished memories of Chaa Parpuni — the ritual of sharing tea — evoking the warmth of home for every attendee.
The Thouthekai Story — How a Community Was Born
The story of how the Tulu-speaking community in the Netherlands found each other is as charming as it is inspiring. It began in 2018 with a simple Facebook search by Deepthi for a Thouthekai (Southekai) — a beloved coastal cucumber familiar to every Tulu household. That humble search sparked a connection that has grown, year by year, into a thriving community of over 100 members today. Deepthi Shetty, who narrated this heartwarming origin story at Bisu 2026, has been the quiet force keeping the community connected since those early days. The story drew warm laughter and nostalgic tears in equal measure — a perfect reminder that the deepest roots are often found in the simplest things.
Official Website Launch
A defining milestone of Bisu 2026 was the official launch of the Tulu Koota Netherlands website — www.tulukoota.nl — prepared by Jay Shetty and formally launched in the presence of all attendees. This digital platform marks the organization’s coming-of-age and will serve as the central hub for news, events, cultural resources, and community engagement for the global Tulu-speaking diaspora. The audience greeted the launch with enthusiastic applause, recognizing it as a fitting symbol of the community's growth and institutional maturity.
Wishes from Tulu's Prominent Personalities — The Diggajas
In a deeply moving video message played at Bisu 2026, Walter Nandalike — the revered founder, managing director & editor-in-chief of Daijiworld and a towering pillar of Tulu and Mangalurean media — conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Tulu Koota Netherlands. Visibly moved, Nandalike expressed immense joy and pride seeing the Tulu language and culture kept alive with such vibrancy in the Netherlands. He lauded the organising team and extended his blessings for Tulu Koota to grow from strength to strength.
Renowned film actor Roopesh Shetty, beloved across the Tulu, Kannada, and Konkani film industries, sent warm and enthusiastic congratulations to Tulu Koota Netherlands on this remarkable feat. Shri Shetty expressed tremendous pride that the coastal Karnataka cultural tradition is being upheld with such grandeur on European shores, and wished Tulu Koota Netherlands every success in its future endeavours.
A Promise for the Future
With enthusiasm running high, participants and organisers pledged to continue this tradition in years to come, cementing Tulu Koota Netherlands as a permanent cultural institution for the Tulu-speaking diaspora in Europe.
Watch the full event: