Context: Pulikkali (Tiger Dance) is a traditional folk art of Kerala, performed during Onam.

Pulikkali

• Meaning: “Tiger Dance”; artists paint their bodies like tigers and imitate tiger movements.
• Occasion: 4th day of Onam.
• Venue: Grand carnival at Swaraj Ground, Thrissur.
• Music: Chenda, Thakil & Udukku.
• Theme: Tiger hunting; represents human–nature interaction & folk storytelling.
• Origin: Associated with Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran of Cochin.