Context: Artists in Thrissur, Kerala, performed Pulikali, the traditional tiger dance, marking the grand conclusion of the Onam festivities.
About the Pulikali dance:
Introduction:
- Pulikali, a vibrant recreational folk art from Kerala, is an integral part of the state's cultural heritage.
- This captivating performance is held annually during the Onam festival, which is Kerala's largest and most significant harvest celebration.
- On the fourth day of Onam, also known as Naalaam Onam or Chathayam, trained artists perform Pulikali to entertain the masses.
- The performance is marked by artists painted as tigers and leopards, dancing to the rhythmic beats of traditional instruments such as the Chenda, Chengila, Udukku, and Thakil.
- Usually, men and children perform this art form. For the first time, 3 women among a 51-member team participated in the Pulikali at Thrissur in 2016.
- The theme of the dance revolves around tiger hunting, which is symbolized by the performers' costumes and movements.
Significance of Pulikali in Thrissur:
- Pulikali is predominantly performed in Kerala's Thrissur district, where it enjoys a 200-year-old tradition.
- This region is considered the heart of the art form, with thousands of people gathering each year to witness the spectacle.
- Although Pulikali is also performed in other regions, such as the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, the Thrissur Pulikali remains the most popular and classical of all variations.
History:
- Pulikali traces its origins back to the reign of Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Cochin over 200 years ago.
- The Maharaja introduced Pulikali as a form of entertainment for the local populace, where dancers would put on tiger costumes and mimic the movements of a tiger in a performance called 'Pulikkettikali.'
- Over time, the event gained popularity and became a central feature of Thrissur’s Onam celebrations, held in memory of this historic tradition.
Performance:
- It is also known as Kaduvakali in some regions and the dancers are called Pulikalikkar.
- The elaborate body paint, in shades of yellow, red, and black, plays a crucial role in the performance.
- The stripes, ranging from simple ‘patta vara’ to intricate ‘zebra vara’ designs, are applied with great care to achieve the authentic look of a tiger.
- The tune used for Pulikali Onam dance has a unique rhythm and is popularly known as pulimelam.
- The special rhythm, composed by Thottungal Ramankutty Asan 70 years ago, is unique to Thrissur’s Pulikali.
- Each Pulikkali team comprises 50 dancers.
Rituals and preparation:
- The preparation for Pulikali is not just physical but also spiritual.
- Performers observe a 41-day fasting period starting from the first day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam.
- During this period, they purify their bodies and prepare mentally for the dance. The ritual of getting into costume begins the night before the event.
While Pulikali remains a significant part of Onam celebrations, it is also performed during other festive occasions in Kerala. Today, Pulikali is not only a folk art but also a major cultural spectacle that draws thousands to Thrissur, preserving its legacy for future generations.
Note:
- Rama Varma Kunji Pillai Thampuran (1751–1805), also known as Sakthan Thampuran Sakthan means powerful), was the ruler of the Kingdom of Cochin.
- Sakthan Thampuran was born at Vellarapally Palace to Anujan Namboodiripad of the Chennamangalam Mana and Ambika Thampuratti of the Cochin Royal Family.
- The present-day city of Kochi in southern India was once part of this princely state.
- He is credited with shaping the city of Thrissur, and it was under his patronage that the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival was initiated.
- Sakthan Thampuran shifted his capital from Thrippunithura to Thrissur, laying the foundation for the city.