Pulikali teams in Thrissur seek release of Centre’s aid, warn of protests

Pulikali teams in Thrissur have urged the Union government to immediately release the financial assistance announced for last year’s festival, warning of protest if the delay continues.

At a joint meeting here on Sunday, representatives of various Pulikali groups said that despite submitting all required documents as directed by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), there was no response for months. They called for the urgent intervention of Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi to expedite the process.

The teams said they had learned through media reports, on the eve of last year’s festival, that the Union Tourism Ministry had announced an assistance of ₹3 lakh each for Pulikali troupes. In addition, ₹1 lakh each had been provided over the past two years from South Zone Cultural Centre.

While the assistance from the South Zone Cultural Centre has been disbursed, the Centre’s promised aid is yet to reach the teams, they said. Many troupes are facing severe financial crisis, they added.

The meeting decided to submit memorandums to Mr. Gopi and the District Collector. If a favourable decision is not taken, the teams said they would launch protest programmes, beginning with an ‘Ottapuli’ demonstration in front of the DTPC office in early July.

Representatives from various Pulikali groups, including those from Seetharam Mill Desam, Ayyanthole, Shankarankulangara, Chakkamukku, Kuttankulangara, Patturaikkal, Viyyur, Kanattukara, Olarikkara and Veliyannur, attended the meeting.