Pulikali in Thrissur gets central funding for first time
Each team will receive ₹3 lakh as a special grant
Each team will receive ₹3 lakh as a special grant
Each team will receive ₹3 lakh as a special grant
Thrissur: Union Minister Suresh Gopi has announced that the central government granted financial aid for eight teams performing at the Pulikali Mahotsavam in Thrissur on September 8. Each team will receive ₹3 lakh as a special grant, marking the first time in history that the Centre has extended financial support to the iconic folk art performance.
According to an official communiqué from the Union Ministry of Tourism to the Kerala government, the funds are sanctioned under the Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH) scheme for the financial year 2025–26.
Announcing the aid through his official Facebook page on Sunday, Suresh Gopi described the Centre’s support as his Onam gift to Pulikali artistes. The communiqué also stated that the state government must ensure that the Incredible India and Ministry of Tourism logos are displayed on all festival promotional materials, and videos from the ministry should be screened at regular intervals during the event.
The state government has not yet issued an official announcement regarding the Centre’s assistance.
Meanwhile, Thrissur Corporation had earlier announced that each team would receive ₹3.20 lakh in aid. While the Centre allotted ₹24 lakh for eight teams, the Corporation has said nine teams will perform Pulikali on Swaraj Round this year.
Suresh Gopi will not attend the festival, as he is scheduled to fly to New Delhi on an urgent matter.
Pulikali, in which performers paint their bodies with tiger stripes and don tiger masks, is a vibrant folk art where dancers sway to the rhythms of the chenda, thakil, and udukku. The tiger-hunt-themed spectacle draws thousands of spectators annually, including visitors from across the globe.