Puli Kali procession on the occasion of Athachamayam celebrations in Tripunithura, Kerala | photo showcase

— by Vibin Raj | Tripunithura, Kerala
Athachamayam is a cultural extravaganza which marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala. The 2014 festival witnessed the colorful Puli Kali procession on the occasion of Athachamayam at Tripunithura, the suburb city of Kochi. Puli Kali is a 200 year old folk art form of Kerala. Pulikali means 'play of the tigers'. Hence the performers paint themselves like tigers and hunters in vibrant colors and dance to the beats of instruments like Udukku and Thakil.

Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)
Puli Kali procession at 'Athachamayam' in Tripunithura, Kerala (photo by Vibin Raj)