Pulikkali to go online this Onam

Pulikkali is an inevitable part of Onam Celebrations in Thrissur, Kerala.
Amidst the restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic, Pulikkali will be conducted online on the fourth Onam Day.
Pulikali (Tiger Dance) is one among the folk art forms of Kerala.
Pulikkali literally means ‘play of the tigers’.
The art is performed on the fourth day of Onam.
They dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku and chenda and wear leopard or tiger masks.
Theme: Main theme is tiger hunting with participants playing the role of tiger and hunter.
Pulikkali groups are called as ‘sangams’.
It is performed all over Kerala during Onam with special significance in Palakkad and Thrissur districts.
Origin: Believed that Pulikkali started 200 years ago during the time of King Sakthan Thampuran.
Onam celebrations include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikkali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali (Tug of War), Thumbi Thullal (women’s dance), Kummattikali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts) and other celebrations.