The colorful display of the folk art at the time of Onam in Kerala in the form of dance and performances are termed as Pulikali. The art also known as Kaduvaakali is a 200 year old form which has been very carefully preserved by the artists of the state. The form is performed by the trained artists who stage it just to entertain the locals and the visitors. The word Pulikali literally means the 'play of the tigers' so the performance revolves around the theme of tiger hunting. This folk art is mainly staged and practiced in the district of Thissur and Palaghat.
The best place to catch the glimpse of the performance is the Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam. The make-up for the show is a painstaking affair with the artists getting themselves ready from the late hours of the night.
Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam.
Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills.
Appearance
Striking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. To get the semblance of a tiger artists paint themselves in bright yellow with patterns of black and red. A tiger mask on the face completes the get up.
It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies.