Children revive traditional Pulikali in Kurampala for Thiruvonam
In Kurampala, Pandalam, children are reviving the traditional Pulikali folk art this Thiruvonam, performing the tiger-hunt dance in eco-friendly costumes made from dried banana leaves.
In the village of Kurampala near Pandalam, a group of children is breathing new life into the traditional folk art of Pulikali this Onam season. The young performers are taking the colourful tiger dance from house to house, reviving a grassroots cultural practice that was once a common sight in Kerala's villages.
The performance depicts a tiger entering a village and being hunted by local hunters, symbolising the triumph of good over evil — a theme closely associated with the Thiruvonam festivities. As part of the street theatre, children dressed as hunters accompany the tiger, carrying toy guns and enacting the chase for residents.
What sets this initiative apart is its eco-friendly and accessible approach. The tiger costume is crafted from dried banana leaves, known locally as unakka vazhayila, and performers wear handmade tiger masks. This simpler form of Pulikali differs from the grand, heavily painted spectacle of the Thrissur festival, retaining instead the rustic charm of the rural tradition.
By performing at doorsteps, the children are not only preserving a piece of local folklore but also spreading the festive spirit of Thiruvonam throughout the community. The main day of Onam, Thiruvonam, falls on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.