Pulikali, also known as the Tiger Dance, is one of Kerala's most vibrant and unique folk art forms. Celebrated on the fourth day of the Onam festival, artists paint their bodies with stripes of yellow, red, and black to resemble tigers and dance to the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments such as thakil, udukku, and chenda. The festival takes place at Swaraj Ground in Thrissur district and attracts both locals and visitors who join in the revelry.

The main theme of Pulikali is tiger hunting, with participants playing the roles of both tigers and hunters. The elaborate make-up, applied using oil paints, is known to be challenging to remove, yet every year, during Onam, the streets of Thrissur are filled with people eager to witness this spectacle. The event, which dates back about 200 years, is considered the oldest and most classical form of Pulikali, with its origins traced to the Pancha-taking ceremony of the Pattani Muslims.

Performers, known as Pulikalikkar, undergo special training to perfect the art of dancing in the guise of tigers or cheetahs. They use body paint and face masks to achieve the appearance of these animals, with dark yellow and black stripes and spots that become smaller as they reach the belly. The face mask is crafted from paper, glue, and materials such as bicycle tubes and common rattan plants. Achieving the tiger resemblance requires considerable effort, with the final touch-up using conventional colors for the face.

Pulikali troupes, such as Pulimada, Melakot, Viyyur, and others, undertake 41 days of fasting from the first day of Karkidakam to the fourth day of Onam, preparing their bodies for the performance. The rituals for getting into costume begin the night before the performance. On the day of Pulikali, dancers arrive at the Thrissur Swaraj Round after offering coconuts to Lord Ganesha at the Vadakkumnathan Temple.

Tableaus are set up for spectators, and the dancers perform to the unique rhythm of Pulimelam, composed by Thottungal Ramankutty Asan, which has been a part of the festival for over 70 years. The festival's history and cultural significance make it a must-see event during Onam, drawing thousands of spectators to Thrissur.

Apart from the visual spectacle, Pulikali is also significant for its historical and cultural roots. It is said to have originated in Thrissur, becoming a grand performance associated with processions and festivities. The festival reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and offers a unique experience of traditional folk art and community celebration.