Puli-Kali. (The Tiger Dance).
The origin of Pulikali dates back to over 200 years, when the Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the then Maharaja of Cochin, is said to have introduced the folk art. They used to perform the art form decked as tigers with peculiar steps resembling the tiger, then known as 'Pulikkettikali' which was immensely enjoyed by the locals. Pulikali in Thrissur is held in memory of this event.
Over the years, there have been changes in the adornment of Pulikali dancers. In the early days, masks were not used and participants would have themselves painted all over, on their faces as well. But now, ready-made masks, cosmetic teeth, tongues, beards, and mustaches are used by the participants along with the paint on their bodies. The tigers also wear a broad belt with jingles around their waist. The festival in Thrissur has now become an all peoples event with a huge response from people, especially youths who come forward to participate in the festival, and also from sponsors. The event is organized by the Pulikkali Co-ordination Committee, a unified council of Pulikkali groups formed in 2004 in Thrissur to preserve and propagate the art in all its true hues and tones. The Thrissur Municipal Corporation gives a grant of Rs 30,000($400) for each Pulikkali troupe.
Usually, men and children perform this art form. For the first time, 3 women among a 51 member team participated in the Pulikali at Thrissur in 2016.
