‘Tigers’ set to make merry in Thrissur

Thrissur city is getting ready for a ‘tiger’ invasion. Come Saturday, the city will explode in colour, rhythm and raw festive energy as the legendary Pulikkali takes over the Swaraj Round, with more than 400 painted performers expected to prowl the streets.

The spectacular Onam tradition will see nine Pulikkali teams parade through the city, each bringing its own colourful band of “tigers”, a pulivandi (float), and a tableau combining mythology with contemporary themes. Each team will field between 35 and 51 performers.

The participating teams are Viyyur Yuvajana Sangam, Kuttankulangara Desam, Patturaikkal Desam, Punkunnam Sitaram Mill Desam, Chakkamukku Desam, Kanattukara Desam, Olarikkara, Sankaramkulangara Desam and Ayyanthole Desam. This year will be special for Olarikkara, which is making its debut in Pulikkali.

Colourful preview

The proceedings will begin at 4 p.m. at Bini Junction, where Minister O.J. Janeesh will flag off the festivities. From there, the nine teams will make their way into the city centre from different junctions, converging on the Swaraj Round. Viyyur Yuvajana Sangam will be the first team to reach the Swaraj Round at 4 p.m., while Ayyanthole Desam will bring up the rear.

The streets have already been buzzing with anticipation. Weeks of preparation have gone into the spectacle, with performers undergoing painstaking body-painting sessions, teams rehearsing their signature Pulikottu drumbeats and floats being put through their final trials. The popular ‘Puli Chamaya Pradarshanam,’ showcasing the accessories of Pulikkali, has already offered residents a colourful preview of the main event.

The other favourite

For Thrissur, Pulikkali is not merely another Onam programme; it is woven into the cultural fabric of the festival, much like the caparisoned elephants that are synonymous with Pooram.

But on Pulikkali day, the elephants surrender the spotlight to another, rather more unusual attraction: burly, pot-bellied tigers painted in vivid colours and moving to the thunderous rhythm of drums.

As the painted faces snarl, bellies sway and drums pound across the city, Thrissur is once again set to prove that when Onam arrives, the tiger has a special place in its heart.