kerala, thrissur pulikali first to last, തൃശ്ശൂർ പുലികളി ആദ്യവസാന കാഴ്ച്ച

The history of Pulikali, a folk art form and tiger dance from Kerala, can be traced back over 200 years:

Origin

The Maharaja of Cochin, Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, is said to have introduced Pulikali in the 18th century to entertain the locals and add to the festive spirit of Onam celebrations.

Early performances

The dance was originally called "Pulikkettikali" and involved performers wearing tiger costumes and mimicking the movements of a tiger.

Popularity

Pulikali became a central feature of Onam celebrations in Thrissur, where the oldest style of the dance still survives today.

Cultural significance

Pulikali was initially criticized for being obscene, but over time, rules were introduced to enhance its popularity and cultural significance.

Women's participation

In 2016, women broke barriers in Pulikali and began participating in what was traditionally a male-dominated arena. 

 







Some key aspects of Pulikali include: 

 





Body paint

Performers apply elaborate body paint in shades of yellow, red, and black to resemble a tiger. 

 





Face paint

Performers also wear detailed face paint to make themselves look like fierce tigers. 

 



Accessories

Performers use masks, fake tiger-like teeth, moustaches, tongues, and jingling belts to enhance their look. 

 





Music

Performers dance to the rhythm of vadyamelam, a Kerala orchestra that typically includes the udu and takilu. 

 





Team size

Each Pulikkali team typically has 50 dancers.