Money garlands await human tigers

Mangaluru: During Dasara human tigers make their presence felt in the coastal districts of Karnataka. Tiger dancers (pilivesha/hulivesha) in troupes, without age limit, from boys as young as three to senior citizens take part in this dance. It's hard to miss that the most popular tiger or the youngest in the troupe is adorned with currency note garlands.It's an honour to receive a currency garland for a tiger dancer. In Mangaluru city and surrounding areas there are a few people who do exclusively make these currency garlands throughout the year.
Pavithra Kumar, well known as Pavi Carstreet, has been making garlands of currency notes for the last 36 years. It all began when a friend of his asked him to make a garland, as he is a flower vendor. Till then, no one made these kinds of garlands. He says, "The garlands start from Rs 300 to over a lakh of rupees in cost, as per demand. Garlands are made in various shapes and different denomination notes are used. People from not just Mangaluru, but faraway places like Udupi, Kundapur and Belthangady place orders for the same. It has become a trend now."
Tharun, a tiger dancer from Kodikal, says, "When we receive a currency garland while performing in front of large crowd, we feel proud. It is not about money, such gestures boosts the moraale of the whole team".