We are glad to have opened a public space for women to come forth and participate in a male-dominated art form like pulikkali. We painted our faces and bodies to become pulikal (tigers) and danced with men for hours, entertaining the public. Pulikkali is very dear to Thrissur region and so far, it has been done by men alone. When we decided to do it this year, we were prepared to receive flak from public. But the public response was incredibly positive! Even though it was just we who participated, many women had worked behind it. The appreciation we got from public was immense. The Viyyur Desam Pulikkali men’s team we approached was supportive as well. Since then, we have been receiving a lot of calls and enquiries from several women who are keen on participating in the art form next year. We opened a door to women, giving them confidence to set foot on the male’s realm.
Our efforts were fructified with the help of WINGS, where we promote women to participate in public forums. Next year, we will ensure more participation of women.
Spots and sports
Divya, Vinaya, Sakheena and Rehana are part of WINGS Kerala, a group that stands for women empowerment through sports. Their core idea is to bring women to the public space through sports, and have been doing this through volleyball and football, not to mention Pullikali, which until the previous year was an all-male affair.
