‘Tigers’ set to make merry in Thrissur
Thrissur is preparing for the annual Pulikkali festival, a traditional Onam event featuring hundreds of performers painted as tigers. Nine teams will parade through the city, including a debutant group from Olarikkara.
Why it matters
Preservation of traditional cultural festivals is vital for maintaining regional identity and community cohesion.
Thrissur city is getting ready for a ‘tiger’ invasion. Come Saturday, the city will explode in colour, rhythm and raw festive energy as the legendary Pulikkali takes over the Swaraj Round, with more than 400 painted performers expected to prowl the streets.
The spectacular Onam tradition will see nine Pulikkali teams parade through the city, each bringing its own colourful band of “tigers”, a pulivandi (float), and a tableau combining mythology with contemporary themes. Each team will field between 35 and 51 performers.
The participating teams are Viyyur Yuvajana Sangam, Kuttankulangara Desam, Patturaikkal Desam, Punkunnam Sitaram Mill Desam, Chakkamukku Desam, Kanattukara Desam, Olarikkara, Sankaramkulangara Desam and Ayyanthole Desam. This year will be special for Olarikkara, which is making its debut in Pulikkali.
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