PULIKKALI

Context: Pulikkali, a colourful part of Onam celebrations in Thrissur, will be an online-only affair this year due to COVID-19.

About:

• Pulikkali is a recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala.
• It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam, an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in Kerala.
• On the fourth day of Onam celebrations (Nalaam Onam), performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil.
• Literal meaning of Pulikkali is the 'play of the tigers' hence, the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting.
• Pulikkali was introduced in Thrissur by Shakthan Tampuran two centuries ago.

Reference: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pulikkali-to-go-online-this-onam/article32444321.ece