Mangaluru: Tigers, tribal motifs, mythology and carnival-inspired creations will roll through Mangaluru this Dasara, as procession teams and artists turn a mix of traditional favourites and new concepts into elaborate tableaux.Behind the illuminated figures and elaborate displays are teams that have spent decades building their place in the procession, alongside artists racing against deadlines to bring their ideas to life.Manjalbail, one of the oldest participants in the Kudroli procession, will stick to a familiar favourite, the pili (tiger) dance. General secretary Charan said preparations are under way to make the performance more prominent this year.Barke Friends, which has been part of the procession for 34 years, is preparing three tableaux featuring Pili, a Kerala-inspired presentation and Sharada. Team member Karthik said the group develops new concepts every year, with expectations growing in step with the scale of the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations.Kalicharan, now in its 42nd year, will also field three tableaux, featuring Pili, a Kerala setting, and a Nashik band, team president Vijayendra Salian said.Vijaya Games Team, Bolar, a participant in the Mangaladevi Temple procession, is keeping its latest concept under wraps. Secretary Shravan said members collectively discuss and develop their displays. Its previous tableaux have included Andhakasuravadhe and Sri Kailasa.Meanwhile, artists are working against the clock to complete the displays. Vipin Acharya, originally from Kannur, Kerala, and a Mangaluru resident for 14 years, is creating a carnival-themed tableau for Biruver Kudla. The concept will feature elaborate artwork inspired by the eighth and ninth centuries, offering a different visual treatment from familiar religious themes.“While everybody gets to enjoy the festival, we artists are busy making these works of art,” said Acharya, an art director in Tulu movies who has designed displays for Biruver Kudla, Kudla Brothers, Young Tulver and Shiva Friends.Vikky Kulal, also preparing a tableau for Biruver Kudla, is combining tribal themes and pillar-like statues with elements inspired by the film ‘Tiger Safari’. LED effects will be used to strengthen the visual presentation.BOX | Fresh spin on traditional tableauxArtist and writer Santosh Pucher said tableaux are evolving with better materials and techniques, sound effects and more dynamic storytelling, even as traditional themes remain dominant. Mythological narratives and deity-centred displays remain popular, often combined with dance, music and audiovisual effects. Some teams are also developing concepts aimed at younger audiences, while Kerala-inspired themes and Chenda performances add variety to the procession.
