Thrissur: Thrissur city will come alive with the spirit of tigers from 5 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday, marking the grand finale of Onam celebrations. 

Preparations commenced on Tuesday at all seven tiger dens, where excitement filled the air as the colouring and grooming sessions captivated fans. The ‘pulivara’—the makeup on the body of 'pulikali' artists —began Wednesday morning, showcasing the artistry behind this beloved tradition. Thrissur is home to a variety of tigers, including black, normal and white.

Tigers will start their march towards the city around 3 pm, leading up to the much-anticipated ‘pulikali’ at 5 pm, kicked off by a vibrant flag-off ceremony at Naikanal Junction. The parade will feature flagging of the‘puli’ group from Patturaikkal, with packs of tigers entering the round from various routes.

Each group consists of up to 51 tigers, and the streets will be adorned with colourful tableaus and trams, creating a festive atmosphere. The celebration will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony held in front of Bini Heritage.

In anticipation of the festivities, traffic control measures will be implemented starting at 2 pm, affecting vehicles in and around the roundabout and related roads.

Prepare for a mesmerising evening as Thrissur embraces its wild side!