The Pulikali

Pulikali, meaning “Tiger Dance,” is a vibrant and colorful traditional dance form from Kerala, India. This exuberant dance is performed during the Onam festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). Pulikali is characterized by performers painted to resemble tigers and leopards, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.

The preparation for Pulikali is extensive, with dancers spending hours getting their bodies painted in elaborate patterns of yellow, black, and red to mimic the appearance of tigers. The dancers then don masks and costumes to complete the transformation. Accompanied by traditional percussion instruments such as the chenda, thakil, and udukku, the performers move energetically, imitating the graceful and powerful movements of tigers.