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Source: The post is based on the article “Thrissur rocks to the rhythm of Pulikkali” published in The Hindu on 3rd September 2023
What is the News?
The traditional folk dance of Kerala ‘Pulikkali’ was performed on the occasion of Onam.
What is Pulikkali?
Pulikkali (Tiger Dance) is one of the folk art forms of Kerala.
The artists wear a tiger mask, paint their bodies like tigers and dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda.
It is performed on the fourth day of Onam festival.
It is believed to have originated two centuries ago as a street dance form and became part of Onam celebrations later.
It is said to have been introduced by the erstwhile ruler of Cochin, Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran.
The main theme of this folk art is tiger hunting with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.
Usually, men and children perform this art form.For the first time, 3 women among a 51-member team participated in the Pulikali at Thrissur in 2016.
