Pulikali, sometimes referred to as the Tiger Dance, is a colorful and energetic folk art form that has its roots in Kerala. It is a one-of-a-kind cultural event in which artists dress up like tigers and dance to the beats of traditional music. For both performers and viewers, the rhythmic motions and colorful costumes provide a stunning visual experience. On the fourth onam day, people dressed as tigers shake their bellies and move their bodies in tune with the energetic music.
As the dance motions primarily center on their stomachs and its movements, big bellies are a source of pride for performers on that day. The dancers expertly manage their bellies to produce exciting waves and swells that enhance the dance’s visual appeal. This distinctive feature of the tiger dance shows the dancers’ control over their bodies and brings humor to the performance as a whole.
Pulikali is a big feature of the Thrissur Onam festival celebrations every year, bringing in thousands of visitors from all over the world. Pulikali troupes are made up of skilled artists who join together to share their love and passion for this unique art form. Pulikali generally features performances by men and children, but in 2016, women took part for the first time, challenging established gender boundaries and bringing an entirely new angle to the festival.
The painting on the performers is a significant aspect of Pulikali because it contributes to the visual splendor of the performance. Pulikali’s painting requires meticulous attention to detail and takes a lot of time. Each performer will need five to seven hours to complete the elaborate tiger patterns on their bodies. The elaborate tiger patterns and brilliant colors utilized in the body paint transform the performers into fearsome and majestic tigers that attract both children and adults.