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Pulikali: Traditional Folk Art from Kerala



  Sep 28, 2024

PULIKALI: THE TIGER DANCE OF KERALA


PULIKALI: THE TIGER DANCE OF KERALA

1. What is Pulikali?
Pulikali, meaning "play of the tigers," is a traditional folk art form from Kerala, performed during the festival of Onam. Dancers, painted as tigers with vibrant yellow, black, and red body paint, mimic the movements of a tiger in a display of energetic dance and music.

2. What is the history behind Pulikali?
Pulikali is believed to have originated over 200 years ago under the reign of Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, who introduced it to celebrate the spirit of the harvest festival, Onam. The performance was designed to entertain people and symbolize the strength and ferocity of the tiger.

3. How is Pulikali performed?
Performers, mostly men, spend hours painting their bodies in bright colors, resembling tigers or leopards. They don elaborate masks and use rhythmic beats of drums, known as ‘thakil,’ to synchronize their movements. The dance typically involves exaggerated movements, leaps, and mock hunts to emulate a tiger’s grace and power.

4. What cultural significance does Pulikali hold?
Pulikali represents the raw energy and festivity of Kerala’s cultural heritage. It is a celebration of courage, symbolized by the tiger, and is deeply connected to the spirit of Onam, a harvest festival marking prosperity and unity. It brings communities together, and the grand procession often attracts tourists.

5. Where is Pulikali mainly performed?
Pulikali is primarily performed in the district of Thrissur, Kerala, during the fourth day of Onam celebrations, attracting both locals and visitors. The grand parades are held in the streets, where groups of performers in tiger costumes enthrall large crowds with their captivating moves.

“Traditions, like Pulikali, keep alive the vibrant pulse of a culture, echoing its stories through generations.”


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