പുലകള്‍ തന്നെയാണിവര്‍ പുലികളി താരങ്ങള്‍ pulikali | nimisha bijo pulikali

Pulikali: The Dance of the Tiger in Kerala’s Cultural Tapestry

Pulikali, often referred to as the "Tiger Dance," is one of Kerala’s most vibrant and visually striking folk arts. It is performed during the Onam festival, typically on the fourth day, which is celebrated across the state with much grandeur. The dance, known for its dramatic portrayal of tigers in pursuit of prey, reflects Kerala’s cultural richness, tradition, and its deep-rooted connection with nature and folklore. The word "Pulikali" is derived from "Puli," meaning tiger, and "Kali," meaning play or dance, thus it translates to "play of the tigers."

Origins and History of Pulikali
Pulikali's origins trace back over 200 years, to a time when rulers and local chieftains sought to entertain their people during the post-harvest festival of Onam. The dance form is said to have been started by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran of the erstwhile Kingdom of Kochi, who wanted a celebratory folk art that reflected the power and majesty of the tiger, a symbol of strength and valor.

In ancient times, Pulikali was performed by trained hunters and warriors who donned tiger costumes to demonstrate their courage, agility, and hunting prowess. Over time, the performance evolved into a folk art enjoyed by both performers and spectators, shifting from the battlefield to the streets. Today, Pulikali is performed by groups of men from all walks of life, turning it into a lively street performance filled with theatrics, music, and a sense of community.

The Symbolism of the Tiger
In Pulikali, the tiger is not just an animal but a symbol of Kerala’s wildlife, power, and human connection to nature. Tigers are often seen as guardians of the forest and have been revered in Indian culture as emblems of power and masculinity. Pulikali performers, with their tiger-like movements, embody this power, dancing with energy, excitement, and often with a humorous flair. The prey, represented by deer or leopards, adds an additional layer of theatricality, as the tiger chases the prey in an orchestrated, rhythmic performance.

Preparation and Costumes
The most fascinating aspect of Pulikali is the elaborate preparation that goes into the performance. Participants, mostly male, dedicate several hours to get into their tiger avatars. The process begins with the intricate painting of the body, where performers are transformed into tigers with bold strokes of yellow, black, and orange paint. It is this body art that gives Pulikali its striking visual appeal.

The painting is done with natural and synthetic colors, with each performer’s body adorned in patterns that mimic the appearance of a tiger's fur. The entire process of body painting can take up to six hours, and sometimes longer, requiring immense patience and skill. Traditionally, the body paint was made from turmeric and other natural pigments, but modern synthetic paints are now often used for durability.



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