Pulayar Community and Anamalai Tiger Reserve

• Two Tribal settlements (Kattupatti and Kuzhipatti) of the Pulayar community within the limits of Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu are gearing up for their annual festival of local deity Vairapattan.
• The Pulayar, also known as Pulaya, Holeya, or Cheramar, are a major ethnic community in Kerala, Karnataka, and historical Tamil Nadu (Tamilakam).

About Pulayar Community:

• Pulayar are known for their music, craftsmanship, and dances.
• Pulaya King was the name given to Mahatma Ayyankali.
• The Pulayar community is listed as Scheduled Caste in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Pulayas are known for their music, craftsmanship and some specific dances, which include:-

1. Kōlam-thullal - Mask Dance
2. Mudi-āttam - Dance originates from fertility rituals.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve:

• It is one of Tamil Nadu's four Tiger Reserves.
• It is located in the Southern Western Ghats and is part of the Anamalai Parambikulam Elephant Reserve, which was established in 2003.
• It is bordered on the east by Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, on the south-west by Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Eravikulam National Park (all belong to Kerala).
• The mountain ranges found in this sanctuary include Amaravathi, Udumalpet Pollachi, Ulandy and Valparai.