Kerala’s iconic ‘Pulikali’ event dropped in wake of Wayanad landslides

Thrissur: In the wake of landslides affecting various parts of Wayanad district, the Thrissur Corporation has announced the cancellation of all Onam celebrations this year, including the highly anticipated corporation-level events, as well as divisional-level 'Kummatti' and iconic 'Pulikali' event  which was scheduled for September 18 as part of this year's Onam celebrations . The move comes as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives in recent disasters.

The decision was taken in a meeting of ally leaders, chaired by  Mayor M.K. Varghese. The mayor has also urged corporation representatives and high-ranking officials to refrain from participating in any Onam festivities, emphasising the need to honor the memory of the victims during this difficult time. 

Pulikali, or the Tiger Dance, is a vibrant folk art form native to Kerala. Celebrated on the fourth day of the Onam festival, performers paint their bodies with tiger-like stripes in shades of yellow, red, and black. They dance to the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments like the 'thakil', 'udukku', and 'chenda'.

The lively Swaraj Ground in Thrissur district becomes the focal point of this colorful event, drawing crowds of locals and visitors who eagerly participate in the festivities.

The core theme of Pulikali revolves around tiger hunting, with dancers taking on the roles of tigers and hunters.

The elaborate body paint, created with oil-based paints, is known for being difficult to remove, yet the performers embrace the tradition with enthusiasm.

Every year during Onam, the streets of Thrissur come alive with this unique spectacle, attracting spectators from all over Kerala and beyond to witness the captivating celebration.

Massive landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad on July 30 creating widespread devastation.