Pulikali teams in Thrissur are seeking release of Centre’s aid and warning of protests

According to Pulikali teams, many companies are facing severe financial crisis. | Photo credit: (File) KK NAJEEB

Pulikali teams in Thrissur have urged the Union government to immediately release the financial assistance announced for last year’s festival and are warning of protests if the delay continues.

At a joint meeting here on Sunday, representatives of various Pulikali groups said that despite submitting all the required documents as directed by the District Tourism Promotion Board (DTPC), no response has been forthcoming for months. They called for the immediate intervention of Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi to speed up the process.

The teams said they learned from media reports on the eve of last year’s festival that the Union Ministry of Tourism had announced an assistance of ₹3,000 each for Pulikali groups. In addition, ₹ 1 lakh each has been provided in the last two years from the South Zone Cultural Centre.

While the aid from the South Zone Cultural Center has been disbursed, the promised aid from the center has yet to reach the teams, they said. Many companies are facing a serious financial crisis, they added.

The meeting decided to submit the memorandum to Mr. Gopi and the District Collector. If a favorable decision is not taken, the teams said they will launch protest programmes, starting with the ‘Ottapuli’ demonstration outside the DTPC office in early July.

Representatives of various Pulikali groups, including those from Seetharam Mill Desam, Ayyanthole, Shankarankulangara, Chakkamukku, Kuttankulangara, Patturaikkal, Viyyur, Kanattukara, Olarikkara and Veliyannur, attended the meeting.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 19:43 IST