Thrissur: The historic 'pulikali' of Thrissur has taken on a virtual form for the first time this year considering the COVID-19 situation. The traditional art form involving a dance of performers decked up as tigers and leopards were streamed live from 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm on the Facebook page of Ayyanthole Desam Pulikali Samithy on the fourth day of the Onam festival.

Sixteen artists perform at separate locations and the visuals shared on a single Facebook page through the Zoom app. Each of the artists was allotted a specific area on their house premises to perform. The attire of the dancers was sanitized before being delivered. The artists dance to the sound of the beats conveyed through mobile phones.