The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has prompted many traditional cultural events to shift to a virtual platform, including the Pulikkali to be held in Kerala. Known for its vibrant colour and energetic performances, Pulikkali is one of the main highlights of the Onam celebration.
Understanding Pulikkali
Originating from the Malayalam words Puli (Leopard/Tiger) and Kali (Play), Pulikkali is a recreational street folk art performed traditionally during Onam, the famous Hindu rice harvest festival of Kerala. Typically conducted on the fourth day of Onam, Pulikkali draws large crowds who gather to witness this spectacle of colours and rhythm. The festival, held annually between August and September, remembers King Mahabali.
The folk art finds its main home in the Thrissur district of Kerala, where it witnesses extensive participation and audience interest. The primary theme revolves around tiger hunting, with performers donning the roles of both the hunter and the hunted – the tiger. These performers, painted as tigers and hunters, present an exciting street dance, moving in tune with the beats produced by traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku, and chenda.
The introduction of Pulikkali is attributed to Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the erstwhile Maharaja of Cochin. He initiated this folk art form to add more colour and entertainment to the Onam celebrations in the region.
The Aranmula Boat Race: Another Onam Highlight
Asides from Pulikkali, another iconic event that adds zest to the Onam festival in Kerala is the Aranmula Boat Race. Known to be the oldest river boat fiesta in Kerala, the race is held at Aranmula in the Pampa River. The site of the race is near the Sree Parthasarathy temple in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The boat race, like Pulikkali, is an integral part of the Onam celebrations and attracts a significant crowd every year.
Other Art forms of Kerala
The cultural landscape of Kerala is not just confined to Pulikkali or the Aranmula Boat Race during Onam. The state has a rich and diverse range of traditional art forms that are enjoyed throughout the year.
Ottam Thullal, Talamaddale, Kalaripayattu, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Mudiyettu are some of the other well-known art forms originating from Kerala. Each of these presents a unique blend of music, dance, drama, and storytelling, reflecting the vibrant cultural fabric and heritage of Kerala.
This year’s online celebration of Pulikkali is an adaptation to the current situation brought upon by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an attempt to keep the spirit of the tradition alive while ensuring the safety and health of the participants and spectators. Even though the physical gathering will be missed, these virtual events present an opportunity for people outside Kerala or even outside India to partake in these age-old traditions. And in doing so, it helps to increase the global recognition of these art forms, as they reach out across borders through digital screens.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024