India is known for its unity in diversity feature, comprising a number of unique dance forms. Every state has their own culture and traditions in India. Similarly, we found multiple dance forms in India some are classical dance forms while others are Folk dances of India. Historically, we found first formal reference of dance in Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra, which was compiled between c. 200BC and c. 200AD and it describes various techniques and features of dance including audience account. In this article we discuss about famous folk dance form -Pulikkali.
Pulikkali is the famous folk dance of Kerala state in India. The literal meaning of Puli is Leopard or Tiger and Kali means Play, also Kaduva means Tiger, in Malayalam language, so it also called ‘The Tiger Dance’ or ‘Kaduvakali’. It also pronounced as Puli Kali. It is a recreational art form and performed by trained artists. This folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala, although it is famous among all over the state and India. It is a part of Onam festival and performed on the 4th day of Onam celebrations (called Naalaam Onam or Vishakham). The main theme of this glorious folk dance is tiger hunting, so as the participants play role of tiger and hunter.
Note 1. Onam is a Hindu rice harvest festival of Kerala state in India, celebrated to commemorate homecoming of Asura king Mahabali from Patal Lok once a year as Lord Vishnu accept his wish to visit his subjects once a year; the day of his return celebrated as Onam.
It is believed and said that Maharaja of Cochin -Maharaja Rama Varma Saktham Thampuran (1751-1805), introduced this art into Onam festival, then after it became an important part of this festival. So, roughly it originated two centuries ago as a street dance form, but now it is a popular dance. As mentioned above, the theme revolve around tiger hunting, the artists prepare themselves as tiger or leopard by body painting, face masks and costumes. Usually, men and children take participation in Pulikkali. But, in 2016, for the first time, 3 women also take part in this dance, which is a revolutionary step as this is male dominated and views as male oriented dance form. Historically, Swaraj Round of Thrissur district is considered to be best place to watch it, Pulikkali troupes from all over the district united here to display their skills. It is interesting to note that, performers (artists) called Pulikalikkar, will only arrived at Thrissur Swaraj Round after offering coconuts to Lord Ganesha at the Vadakkumnathan Temple.
For Pulikkali dance, artists start preparing themselves early in morning as it take several hours to be ready; because they have to paint there whole body with different colours mostly bright yellow, red and black (according to their particular character) and initially a base paint is painted on their whole body. Then when it completely dried, according to one’s character different colours are painted and again left for drying. After that, artists wear a tiger or leopard face mask and other related accessories of their costumes; and dance on the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments like thakil, udukku, chenda, etc. This is a glorious dance form; and special attraction is the presentation of artists as tiger or leopard by various body movements, in fact their belly movements tell a story in itself, sometimes you feel that, ‘you are watch a live creature’.
Note 2. It is said that Maharaja of Cochin -Maharaja Rama Varma Saktham Thampuran introduced Pulikkali art in Onam festival.
Note 3. In 2016, for the first time, 3 women take part in Pulikkali.
Note 4. Pulikkali dance is also known by other names – ‘the Tiger Dance’ and Kaduvakali.
Note 5. Pulikkali is part of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, mainly practiced in Thrissur district of Kerala, India.
Bibliography
1. CCRT. 'Pulikkali: Folk Art from Kerala'. Center for Cultural Resources and Training. Folk Art MP3. Delhi.
3. Kerela Culture. 'Pulikali'. Other Festivals and Celebrations. Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala.
[http://www.keralaculture.org/pulikali/391]
4. Kerala Tourism. 'PuliKali'. Kerala Tourism. Onam - Games.
[https://www.keralatourism.org/onam/onam-games/pulikali#:~:text=Onam%20is%20a%20time%20when,or%20a%20kaduva%20(tiger).]
Image Courtesy
- Google Maps.
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