Pulikali to start at 4 pm, preparations in final stages, traffic restrictions in city

THRISSUR: The preparations for the Pulikali are in the final stages. The Pulikali groups have started painting their bodies to resemble tigers from early morning itself. The tigers will take over Swaraj Ground in Thrissur at 4 pm along with still images. People are flocking to ‘madas’ to watch them dressing up for the show. There are nine Pulikali groups. Each group will have 51 tigers.

Many from Kerala and outside usually come to watch Pulikali. The Pulikali will end with the closing ceremony at 10 pm. Until then, the tigers will be in full swing. Prizes for the groups will also be distributed at the closing ceremony. Thrissur's Onam celebrations will end with the Pulikali.

More than ten people will be there in each team to ground the colours. White, black and yellow are first ground and prepared. Then red and brown will be prepared. At least five liters of colour should be there. However, this time, the Viyyur Youth Group is coming with metallic tigers. This is the first time that metallic colors are being used in Pulikali. The specialty of this is that the tigers will shine more. Blue, green and violet metallic colors are used in this.

Meantime, the police have issued strict instructions to the people over Pulikali. People can enjoy the Pulikali in safe places at Thekkinkadu Grounds and on the pathway. Climbing on dilapidated buildings and trees has been banned. Those coming to the city are also warned not to park their vehicles on the roadside but to park them in safe grounds. Police officers have been deployed at important places under the Thrissur Assistant Commissioner in various sectors to maintain law and order and regulate traffic.