Thrissur's Pulikali tiger dancers gear up for Onam spectacle at Swaraj Round
Nine teams will perform Pulikali at Thrissur's Swaraj Round on Saturday, with costume preparations underway at mada centres.
Thrissur is preparing for its iconic Pulikali, the traditional tiger dance that marks the high point of Onam celebrations in the cultural capital of Kerala. Nine teams will take part in the event on Saturday, with processions starting from their respective localities around 4 pm and converging at Swaraj Round by 5 pm.
The teams will first break coconuts before the Naduvilal Ganapathy idol before circling the Swaraj Round, performing the distinctive dance of the 'tigers' for thousands of spectators. Each team will field between 35 and 51 performers, featuring traditional tiger characters such as the striped tiger, black tiger, and leopard. Women and children dressed as tigers will also join the celebrations, alongside illuminated tableaux.
Costume preparations began on Thursday evening at the respective 'mada' centres, with the traditional 'Pulivaal Ezhunnallippu' scheduled for the eve of the main event.
The participating teams are Viyyur Yuvajana Sangham, Kuttankulangara Desam, Patturaikkal Desam, Seetharam Mill Desam, Chakkamukku Desam, Kanattukara Desam, Olarikkara, Shankaramkulangara Desam, and Ayyanthole Desam.
The Thrissur Corporation will provide financial assistance of Rs 3.5 lakh to each team, with Rs 1.75 lakh already disbursed as an advance. Each team will also receive 120 litres of kerosene. Prize money for the top three teams stands at Rs 70,000, Rs 60,000, and Rs 50,000 respectively, along with trophies. Additional awards will be given for mythological and contemporary tableaux, Pulikkottu, tiger costume, tiger vehicle, discipline, tiger painting, and overall presentation.
Pulikali, believed to have originated around two centuries ago as a street dance, has become an integral part of Thrissur's Onam celebrations. Over the years, the festival has evolved with rules introduced regarding its presentation and dance movements. Often described as Thrissur's 'second Pooram' without elephants or processions, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to Swaraj Round.