On Monday, the city will once again transform into a sea of painted tigers and pounding rhythms as the famed Pulikkali takes over the Swaraj Round. More than 400 “tigers” will storm the streets, making this year’s Onam festival in Thrissur a spectacular feast for the eyes.
Nine Pulikkali teams are set to march out in all their glory. Each team will field between 35 and 51 painted performers, along with a float (pulivandi) and a tableau that blends mythology with contemporary themes.
Preparations have been in full swing for weeks. Painstakingly detailed body painting, rehearsals of the pulikottu drumming, and trials of the floats have turned local neighbourhoods into hubs of excitement. The much-loved puli chamaya pradarshanam (display of painted tigers) gave the public a taste of what’s to come.
For the people in Thrissur, Pulikkali is as integral to Onam as caparisoned elephants are to Pooram. Here, however, it is not the majestic tuskers but the burly, pot-bellied tigers who steal the limelight. Their swaying bellies, painted with snarling tiger faces, move to the beats in a way only Thrissur can showcase.
The grand kickoff is scheduled for September 8 at 4.30 p.m. at the Thekke Gopurappura Nada. Mayor M.K. Varghese, flanked by Ministers and MLAs, will flag off the festival, leading the nine teams as they pour into the city centre from different junctions.
This year’s festival also comes with rich rewards. Cash prizes of ₹62,500, ₹50,000, and ₹43,750 will go to the top three teams. Tableaux will be awarded separately, while categories such as best pulikottu (drumming), best pulivesham (costume and make-up), and best pulivandi (float) will also receive honours. For the first time, individual puli vara (tiger body painting) will carry cash awards of ₹12,500, ₹9,375, and ₹6,250. A special prize of ₹18,750 will recognise the most disciplined team.
Published – September 06, 2025 09:07 pm IST
