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Kerala, an energetic and culturally varied state in India, is renowned for its voluminous customs and festivals. Pulikkali, a traditional folk art form held in the city of Thrissur, is one such unique celebration.
Thousands of spectators flock to this annual performance, which concludes Onam celebrations, to take in the vibrant and energetic show. Pulikkali, which translates to "play or the dance of the tigers," is a type of street theatre in which men don tiger costumes and perform a variety of dance moves to demonstrate their power and agility.
The performers, at times, referred to as "pulikkali artists," use vivid colours like yellow, fiery red, and black to paint elaborate tiger patterns on their bodies. The tigers' bellies are frequently inflated to give some humor and enhance the performance's visual attractiveness. To complete their transformation into tigers, the artists also put on intricate masks and costumes.
This year, just five groups enrolled for the performance: Ayyanthole Desam, Viyyur Desam, Kanattukara, Sakthan, & Sitaram Mill Desam. There were 51 artists total in each group. This year Nimisha Bijo & Thara were the two female performers at Sitaram Mill. Thara is from Thalikkulam in Thrissur, whereas Nimisha is an accomplished model from Chalakudy.
Throughout the four-hour performance, Sakthan featured young performers who were bursting with enthusiasm. The first-place reward, which included a trophy and a monetary award of Rs 62,500, was won by the Ayyanthole Desam Pulikkali team. Kanattukara & Sitaram Mill were selected as the 1st and 2nd runners-up.
Pulikkali, with its distinctive fusion of dance, music, & visual art, swiftly won over the public and established itself as a mainstay of the Onam celebrations. The parade through the streets of Thrissur is the main draw of the pulikkali performance.
A large crowd gathered to watch the yearly show, which customarily concludes Onam celebrations, at Swaraj Round & Thekkinkadu Maidan. At Swaraj Round, processions from various parts of the city converge, providing a spectacular display of colour and vigour.
The audience is mesmerised by the performers' agility and synchronisation as they move in time with the beats of traditional drums along with various musical instruments. The distinctive sound of the 'aramanis,' an ancient percussion instrument that gives the performance a specific rhythm, fills the streets.
