From Avatar to tiger-fish, Thrissur’s Pulikkali tableaux win applauds  

Pulikkali isn’t just about the painted ‘tigers.’ It is also about the dazzling tableaux that transform Thrissur’s streets into a stage of wonders. From fantasy-inspired to socially charged themes, each spectacle drew waves of applause, leaving the crowd awestruck.

Each of the nine troupes that participated in this year’s Pulikkali performance presented a float each.

A digital float inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar stunned onlookers with its visual wizardry. Another innovative creation was a glowing ‘puli-meen’ (tiger-fish), designed by artist Davinci Suresh, shimmering under the night lights.

The battle between a bull and a white horse electrified the audience, while a tableau titled ‘Justice Protects Against Injustice’ offered a sharp commentary on contemporary Kerala, highlighting issues such as child sexual abuse cases, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Environmental themes took the centre stage too. One float celebrated the Thrissur city Corporation’ second-place win in Vruthi 2025, the Clean Kerala Conclave, while another, presented by the Haritha Karma Sena, urged citizens not to dump waste in public spaces, reminding all that garbage endangers living beings.

Communal harmony

Tableaux featuring Mahatma Gandhi, sports cars and bikes carrying ‘tigers’, and a chilling depiction of addictions’ grip on society also drew applause. A float showcasing temples, churches, and mosques under one symbolic roof stood out as a proud reminder of Thrissur’s timeless tradition of communal harmony.

Pulikkali 2025 proved once again that this folk art is not only a riot of colour and rhythms but also a mirror of Kerala’s cultural pulse, blending spectacle with substance.