About: |
Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people. Is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Puli Kali ("Puli" = Tiger & "Kali" = Play in Malayalam language) also known as Kaduvakali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam, an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. On the fourth day of Onam celebrations (Nalaam Onam), performers painted like tigers and hunters in bright yellow, red, and black dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the 'play of the tigers' hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur city on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills. The festival attracts thousands of people to the city. There are enactments such as the tiger preying on a goat, and a tiger being hunted by a game-hunter. The made-up tigers present vigorous dancers to the loud beating of percussion instruments like udukku,thakil etc. In Pulakali a group of performers(usually around 6 people who make up the troupe), have their bodies painted in the colors and patterns of a tiger, don tiger masks and perform a wild dance symbolizing the hunting rituals on a tiger hunt. The hunter and drummer play their parts realistically as the tiger guised men prance and leap ferociously. The play includes realistic scenes such as the tiger catching the goat, offered as bait and then the hunter capturing the tiger and so on. The art is a simple and entertaining one. The cheering, roaring crowds fill the performers with vigor. However the pains taken by the artists need to be highlighted. The performers themselves get their bodies shaved the evening prior to the performance. After a family meal, the painting starts at night. Usually with a tigers picture in front, the painters work meticulously and painstakingly to create an exact likeness of a tiger. The tiger's face is often painter on the chest of the performer. Often the shiny coat and dark spots of a leopard are also painted on a performer. Rarely a performer is also painted to be a black panther. The painters work patiently all night and the performers too take immense efforts to get the guise perfected. Often they stand all night in a windy area or under a fan to dry the paint.These were traditionally herbal or organic dyes but the use of commercial, synthesized paint is now in vogue as it dries faster and looks more impressive and shiny. But these are also harmful to the artists skin and often burn the newly shaved skin. The instruments that are played to recreate the tiger hunting scenes are drums and percussions such as 'Udukku' and 'Thakil', 'Chenda" and 'Thappu'. The beats of these instruments create the atmosphere required for the spectator to vicariously eel the hunter's thrill. Earlier where 30-40 troupes had participated in a competitive spirit, hardly 6-7 troupes perform now; and the focus is to keep the art alive, rather than winning the prize. The urban population no longer takes delight in the art as in olden times. Local clubs are making an effort to keep the art alive and do organize performances. The local people pool in their resources. They also volunteer as painters. So street-shows of Pulikali are conducted in the district of Thrissur. The Appearance It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies. The Play Getting there: |
Location info: |
Address:Thrissur and Palaghat |
District: Thrissur |
Nearest City: Thrissur |
Best time to visit: Onam |
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Interesting things to Visit: |
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace Anakkayam Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam) Vadakkumnathan Temple Art Museum The Church of Our Lady of Dolors Peechi Dam The Archeological & Art Museum at Thrissur Thrissur Zoo Punnathur Kotta Kerala Sahitya Academy Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre) Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy Vilangan Kunnu Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy Athirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls |
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Police Station: Viyyoor Police Station Ayyanthole Police Station Peramangalam Police Station Anthikkad Police Station wadakanchery police station Police Station Police station Police Station Puvathur Police Station Police Station |
Nearest Hospital: Modern Hospital Kodungallur Nilayoram Resorts & Ayurvedic Centre Sree Chithra Ayur Home Danya Hospitals |
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