Thrissur, 29 August (H.S.):The curtains will come down on this year's Onam celebrations in Thrissur with the colourful Pulikali festival on Saturday. Around 450 performers from nine teams will dance to the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments along Swaraj Round.

The celebrations will begin around 4 pm, with performers painted as tigers taking to the streets. Each team will also present two tableaux based on mythological stories and contemporary themes.

The festival will feature male, female and child performers. Each team will comprise between 35 and 51 Pulikali artistes, accompanied by a percussion ensemble of 25 to 35 members. Prizes will be awarded to the best-performing teams in various categories.

The participating teams are Viyyur Yuvajana Sangham, Kuttankulangara Desam, Patturaikkal Desam, Poonkunnam Seetharam Mill Desam, Chakkamukku Desam, Kanattukara Desam, Olarikkara Desam, Sankaramkulangara Desam and Ayyanthole Desam. Olarikkara Desam will make its debut at the festival this year.

The Pulikali processions will begin from the respective localities around 2 pm before proceeding towards Swaraj Round. Minister O.J. Janeesh will formally flag off the festival at Bini Junction at 4 pm.

Viyyur Yuvajana Sangham will be the first team to enter Swaraj Round at 4 pm. The remaining groups will follow according to the scheduled order, with Ayyanthole Desam entering last at 7.20 pm.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of spectators from across Kerala and outside the State. Security arrangements and traffic restrictions have been put in place to manage the crowds along Swaraj Round and nearby roads.

The performances and judging process are expected to conclude by around 10 pm, marking the grand finale of Thrissur's Onam festivities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman