Festival is supposed to be colour,noise,crowd and full energy,but behind all that,many performing teams are now saying they are stuck in serious financial stress.
During meeting held on Sunday,representatives from various Pulikali troupes said they still have not received financial assistance promised for last year's festival . And this is not small amount ah,Union Tourism Ministry had announced ₹3 lakh assistance package for each Pulikali troupe on eve of last year’s festival .
But according to members,even after submitting all necessary documents to District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC),there has been no response so far . So teams are basically left waiting,while expenses and pressure keep increasing.
And at same time,they pointed out one contrast which makes situation even more frustrating . Over past two years,an additional ₹1 lakh each from South Zone Cultural Centre has already been received by them . So naturally question is,why is this ₹3 lakh support still stuck?
Few things standing out clearly here:
- Pulikali troupes say promised ₹3 lakh assistance from Union Tourism Ministry has not been disbursed.
- Teams say documents were already submitted to District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC),but no response came.
- If issue continues,they plan protests starting with 'Ottapuli' demonstration.
The teams are now appealing to Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi to help speed up release of funds . They also decided to submit memorandums to both Mr. Gopi and District Collector,asking for immediate action.
And honestly,this is where cultural events become more than just celebration . People see Pulikali during festival days and enjoy photos,videos,tourist vibe and all,but performers behind it are spending money,training,organising costumes,managing teams… none of that happens free only.
Representatives from local groups including Seetharam Mill Desam,Ayyanthole and others have also raised same concern . Their point is simple:delay is putting traditional performers at risk,and if support promised by government does not come on time,how will these teams continue every year?
But now with protests being planned,it feels like performers are being forced to fight for money already announced to them . Pulikali is pride of Thrissur,but if people carrying that tradition are left struggling like this,then what exactly are we celebrating…