Keralam’s Thrissur goes wild as ‘tigers’ take the streets for Pulikkali
Thrissur celebrated the conclusion of its Onam festivities with the traditional Pulikkali tiger dance, featuring nearly 450 performers. Despite the threat of rain, the event drew large crowds and showcased the cultural heritage of the region.
Why it matters
Pulikkali is a significant cultural event that preserves traditional art forms and fosters community participation in Kerala.
As nearly 450 tigers roared in unison, the dark clouds that had gathered overhead slowly drifted away. Down below, the tiger packs emerged from their dens.
Thrissur erupted into colour, rhythm and raw energy on Saturday (August 29, 2026) as its own iconic Pulikkali brought the curtains down on the city’s Onam celebrations.
A threat of rain had hung over the festivities. There were light showers from the morning. But neither the clouds nor the drizzle could tame the mood.
By afternoon, nearly 450 human tigers from nine Pulikkali deshams began marching towards the heart of Keralam’s cultural capital. At around 4 p.m., Youth Affairs and Sports Minister O.J. Janeesh flagged off the festivities at Swaraj Round, setting the stage for an evening of roaring drums, dancing tigers and delirious crowds.
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