Thrissurians hurrah tigers, bellyful

Thrissur: More than 500 ‘tigers’ invaded the town for over four hours on Saturday, with an aim not to destroy the humans, but to entertain them.  The ‘Pulikkali’ fest held at Swaraj Round  mesmerised the spectators  as children and veteran performers painted with strips and spots resembling tigers and leopards using florescent colours on their body and wearing head masks of a tiger took over the  town  from 4 p.m.

More than 500 ‘tigers’ participated in the ‘Pulikkali’ fest held at Swaraj Round in Thrissur on Saturday. Like in Thrissur Pooram, tens of hundreds of Pulikkali buffs from across the state gathered on the flanks of Swaraj Round to witness the ‘Puli Pooram.’ (Photo: ANUP K. VENU)

Percussionists  beating the traditional  Pulikkali melam on chendas accompanied all the ten teams taking part in the event.  Like in Thrissur Pooram, tens of hundreds of Pulikkali buffs from across the state gathered on the flanks of Swaraj Round to witness the ‘Puli Pooram.’ For the first time, four women took part in the event donning Pulikkali attire.

Members of BBC crew who took part in Pulikkali. (Photo: ANUP K. VENU)

Two foreigners, who were part of the BBC crew covering  the show,  also joined the fest. The  teams  held not less than two giant tableaux   based on Hindu mythology and  on contemporary issues  like rape and murder of Soumya and  Jisha and  the stray dog menace.