Pulikali, one of Kerala's most vibrant and fun-filled festivals, is a cultural celebration that brings people together in colourful costumes, energetic dance, and traditional music. The festival, known for its unique Tiger Dance, takes place primarily in the districts of Thrissur and Palakkad. Once you witness the charm of Pulikali, it becomes irresistible to not be part of it. The festival attracts huge crowds from around Kerala and neighbouring states, celebrating art, tradition, and joy. Pulikali is one of the most fascinating and fun-filled festivals of Kerala. You would not be able to resist being a part of it once you see and hear about the charm of it.
The Pulikali 2024 event involves groups of performers dressed as tigers, with their bodies painted and adorned in costumes that mimic the appearance of fierce tigers. These performers dance to the rhythm of traditional instruments like the Chenda, Thakil, and Udukku, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement and joy.
Pulikali is a very colourful and happy art form which brings life to the entire place. It happens on the fourth day of Onam at the Swaraj Ground, most of the time. So, without thinking much, just grab the opportunity and enjoy to the fullest.
Major Attractions of Pulikali
1. Tiger Dance in Kerala
The highlight of Pulikali is the spectacular tiger dance, in which performers, painted as tigers, move to the beats of traditional percussion instruments. The "play of tigers" is both thrilling and entertaining, making it one of the most captivating art forms in Kerala. The dancers wear elaborate costumes that depict the features of tigers, and their synchronised movements resemble the behaviour of tigers in the wild.
2. Tiger Hunting Theme.
The theme of Pulikali performances revolves around a mock tiger hunt, where the dancers imitate the movements of a tiger being hunted by a man wielding a gun. The interplay between the tigers and the hunter creates a lively and playful atmosphere, adding to the festival's fun.
3. Makeup.
The makeup process in Pulikali is an art in itself. Performers undergo hours of body painting, with their skin painted to resemble tiger stripes. Oil paints make the makeup last longer, adding to the realism of their tiger-like appearance. Watching the performers transform into tigers is an intriguing sight.
Pulikali 2024 Date and Time
The Pulikali Thrissur 2024 date is set for 15th September 2024, aligning with the celebrations of Onam, Kerala's grand harvest festival. The event occurs on Onam's fourth day at Swaraj Ground, Thrissur. The Pulikali 2024 date and time are important for tourists and locals alike, as it is a unique opportunity to witness this traditional performance. The festival typically starts in the afternoon, and the Pulikali Thrissur time can vary depending on the schedule of events for the day.
If you plan to experience the Thrissur Pulikali 2024, mark your calendars. It promises to celebrate colour, culture, and community.
How to Reach
Thrissur, often called the cultural capital of Kerala, is a beautiful city known for its festivals and sacred sites. Here's how you can reach Thrissur for the Pulikali 2024 festival:
By Air.
The nearest airport to Thrissur is Cochin International Airport, which is about 50 km away. This airport is well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Frequent flights are available; from the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thrissur.
Here is flight information for major Indian cities.
- Delhi - Board Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, Spicejet flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.6,000
- Mumbai - Board Air India, Go Air, Spicejet from Mumbai Airport. The airfares start from Rs.3,000
- Kolkata - Board Spicejet, Air India, Go Air flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.4,000
- Madurai - Board Spicejet, Air India, IndiGo from Madurai airport. The airfares start from Rs.4,500
By Train
The Thrissur Railway Station is one of the busiest in Kerala and operates trains frequently from major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. The station has modern amenities, including WiFi, food courts, and retiring rooms.
- Delhi - Board Kerala Express from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Thrissur Station
- Madurai - Board Amritha Express from Madurai Junction and deboard at the Thrissur Station
- Mumbai - Board Netravati Express from Lokmanyatilak T and deboard at the Thrissur Station
- Kolkata - Board Gurudev Express from Shalimar and deboard at the Thrissur Station
- Chennai - Board Trivandrum Mail from MGR Chennai CTL and deboard at the Thrissur Station
By Road
Thrissur is well-connected by national highways, making it accessible by road. You can drive or take a bus from nearby cities like Kottayam, Ooty, and Coimbatore. Here are some popular routes
- From Kottayam, the bus fares start from Rs.1400.
- From Ooty, the bus fares start from Rs.900.
- From Kannur, the bus fares start from Rs.700.
- From Coimbatore, the bus fares start from Rs.500
- From Kannur, the bus fares start from Rs.700
You can also reach here by the following routes:
- Kottayam - 134 km via NH544
- Ooty - 198 km via NH544
- Kannur - 205 km via NH66
- Mysuru - 261 km via NH181
- Puducherry - 486 km via NH544
- Coimbatore - 114 km via NH544
If you are planning to experience this festival, don't miss the chance to witness the Pulikali 2024 in all its glory. The festival is a spectacular representation of Kerala's vibrant culture and is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Plan your trip with Adotrip today. Enjoy a wealth of information, end-to-end travel assistance and BOOK Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.
With Adotrip, nothing is far!
Plan your visit using Adotrip's Circuit Planner for a seamless trip to the Pulikali 2024 festival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Pulikali?
A: Pulikali, meaning "play of tigers," is a folk art where performers paint themselves as tigers and perform energetic dances to traditional music.
Q. Why is Pulikali Celebrated?
A: Pulikali is celebrated during the Onam festival, symbolising Kerala's rich cultural heritage and artistry.
Q. When is Pulikali Thrissur 2024?
A: Pulikali Thrissur 2024 will be held on 15th September 2024.
