Thrissur Pulikali 2026: Kerala city turns into a sea of colourful tigers for Onam finale | WATCH

Thrissur has turned into a sea of colourful tigers as nine teams began the traditional Pulikali (Tiger dance) celebrations on Saturday, marking the grand finale of the city's Onam festivities.

The processions began from different parts of the city around 4 pm before moving towards Swaraj Round, where thousands of spectators gathered to watch the traditional tiger dance. Youth Welfare and Sports Minister O J Janish flagged off this year's Pulikali. 

Around 450 performers are taking part in this year's Pulikali across the nine teams. Each team has more than 50 performers, with children and women also joining the celebrations as tiger characters.

The participating teams are Viyyur Yuvajana Sangham, Kuttankulangara Desam, Patturaikkal Desam, Seetharam Mill Desam, Chakkamukku Desam, Kanattukara Desam, Olarikkara, Shankaramkulangara Desam and Ayyanthole Desam.

The performers have painted tiger and leopard patterns across their bodies and wear traditional waist belts with bells. They dance to the rhythm of thakil and chenda performances as the processions move through the city.

Children dressed as tigers and women performers are also part of the processions, adding to the variety of the spectacle.

The teams are accompanied by tableaux, including illuminated displays and other static scenes. Traditional characters such as striped tigers, black tigers and leopards feature in the performances.

The teams started preparations at their respective 'mada' centres on Thursday evening. The traditional 'Pulivaal Ezhunnallippu' was also held ahead of the main celebration.

Thousands gather in Thrissur

People from different parts of Kerala and outside the state have reached Thrissur to watch the annual celebration. Large crowds have gathered along Swaraj Round as the teams move through the city to the rhythm of the tiger dance.

Pulikali is a traditional street performance associated with Onam in Thrissur and is believed to have originated around two centuries ago. Over time, it became an important part of the city's Onam celebrations, with rules introduced for its presentation and dance movements.

The event is often referred to as Thrissur's 'second Pooram', although it does not feature elephants or the traditional Pooram processions.

Corporation support and Pulikali prizes

The Thrissur Corporation is providing Rs 3.5 lakh in financial assistance to each participating team. Of this, Rs 1.75 lakh has already been provided as an advance. Each team will also receive 120 litres of kerosene.

The first prize for Pulikali is Rs 70,000, followed by Rs 60,000 for second place and Rs 50,000 for third place. Trophies will also be awarded.

Additional prizes cover categories including mythological and contemporary tableaux, Pulikkottu, tiger costume, tiger vehicle, discipline, tiger painting and overall Pulikali presentation.

Holiday and traffic restrictions

A local holiday has been declared in Thrissur taluk from the afternoon in connection with the Pulikali celebrations. Government offices and educational institutions in the taluk have been given a holiday, along with financial institutions operating under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, including cooperative societies.

Traffic restrictions have also been imposed in Thrissur city and surrounding areas from 2 pm. Vehicle parking has not been permitted on Swaraj Round and nearby roads since morning.

Police have arranged parking facilities at around 30 locations. People have been advised to avoid bringing private vehicles into the city unless necessary to help reduce congestion during the celebrations.