Pulikali preparations in full swing in Thrissur

Pulikali, which marks the end of Onam festivities in the state, is scheduled to begin at the Swaraj ground in Thrissur. It is traditionally held on the fourth Onam day.

Thrissur (Kerala):Preparations for Pulikali, a procession of dancers painted like tigers, are in the final stages in Thrissur.

The event, which marks the end of Onam festivities in the state, is scheduled to begin at the Swaraj ground. It is traditionally held on the fourth Onam Day.

Men paint their bodies and faces like tigers and it is done with oil paints. Tigers play hide and seek with a hunter wielding a gun.

The number of teams participating this year is less than the previous years. A team will have 35 to 51 tigers in it. Last year Pulikali was cancelled following the floods.

Traffic will be strictly regulated in and around Thrissur town as part of Pulikali.

Pulikali is a 200-year-old folk art form of Kerala which means 'play of the tigers'.