Photo:[email protected]/Depositphotos

Many cultures around the world mark the harvest season with unique celebrations.

On the fourth day of the festivities, hundreds of dancers paint their bodies and dress up as tigers.

This Puli Kali tradition dates back approximately 200 years.

Thrissur, Kerala, India / September 10, 2014: Trained dancers get their body painted in the colors of a tiger participate in the famous 200 year old Pulikali dance.

Photo:[email protected]/Depositphotos

While most of the performers are usally men, women have been joining the celebrations since 2016.

At the center of the Puli Kali are those who get in costume.

They don bright orange masks, complete with whiskers, and spend hours carefully decorating their bodies with paint.

Thrissur, Kerala, India / September 10, 2014: Trained dancers get their body painted in the colors of a tiger participate in the famous 200 year old Pulikali dance.

Photo:[email protected]/Depositphotos

But it’s not just a reverie for the sake of tradition.

At the center of the Puli Kali are those who get in costume.

They don bright orange masks, complete with whiskers, and spend hours decorating their bodies with paint.

Thrissur, Kerala, India / September 10, 2014: Trained dancers get their body painted in the colors of a tiger participate in the famous 200 year old Pulikali dance.

Photo:[email protected]/Depositphotos