Thrissur all set to witness 'Pulikali'

THRISSUR: The Pulikali artists have started arriving in Kerala's cultural capital as part of the Onam celebrations. Around 250 artists reached Swaraj round flaunting their bodies adorned with paintings and ghungroos tied around their waists. They also have special dance as per the beat. The city is all set for the celebration.

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Pulikali is performed by five teams. There will be no official government events today as the state observes official mourning on Queen Elizabeth's death. Many people including locals and tourists have arrived in the Swaraj Round to enjoy Pulikali.

Pulikali artists came to the city on horseback and even dressed in Theyyam costumes. About 250 artists from five teams namely Kanattukara, Ayyanthole, Punkunnam, Viyyur and Sakthan are participating in the event. As this is the first celebration to be held after the Covid outbreak, tight police security has been deployed in Thrissur city.

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More than 500 policemen have been deployed in the city for security. Traffic was banned in Swaraj Round since afternoon when the Pulikali artists started arriving. The traffic was via Outer Ring Road. In the last two years, due to the Covid outbreak Pulikali was not conducted, so this year a huge crowd has arrived to watch the event.