Thrissur: The Kerala Tourism Department has defaulted on a payment of Rs 10.50 lakh to ‘pulikali’ teams performing at Swaraj Round in Thrissur every year. Nine teams which performed in 2015 are yet to receive the promised Rs 50,000 each, while six teams who took part in the event in 2017 are yet to get Rs 1 lakh each.

Pulikkali, the recreational folk art, is often performed on the occasion of Onam. The only ‘remuneration’ for the pulikali teams is the Rs 1.25 lakh allotted by the Thrissur Municipal Corporation. Out of this civic aid, Rs 75,000 is paid during the preparation for the event and the rest during the prize-distribution ceremony. For long. the necessary funds are pooled in from the local people as well as sponsors. Major businessmen donated money in 2016, but the trend was not witnessed the next year. In 2017, only the teams from Naykanal, Vadakke Angadidesam, Kottapuram centre, Ayyanthol, Viyoor and Mylipadam took part.

However, the teams point out that expenses for a single performance amounts to around Rs 10 lakh. Each team should comprise 35-51 ‘pulis’. The money needed for a player would be Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000. Those with special tummies get Rs 15,000. Accompanying drummers – around 30 in number – can be obtained only at Rs 1.15 lakh and above. Floats would cost Rs 1.50 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. The Tirupati temple model presented by Naykkanal team last time cost Rs 4 lakh. An additional Rs 75,000 would be needed for spot lights, vehicles, sound system and pickup vans. More expenses are in the form of trousers for players, decorations, paint and food. The Corporation provides 30 litres of kerosene; which is insufficient to remove the paint.

A meeting was held at corporation office to discuss the arrangements for Pulikali. Representatives of seven teams took part in the meeting. Several complaints and suggestions were raised. The organising committee will be formed on July 19. The teams should register before August 10.

Mayor Ajitha Jayarajan presided over the meeting.