Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala and as every festival, a few moments of joy and celebrations are associated with Onam. Those traditional cheer-ups are a part of its culture too. Onam is celebrated all over the world according to Malayalam Clender ‘Kollavarsham’. Chingam is the first month and on Thiruvonam star of this auspicious month, all Keralites all the world celebrate Onam in Kerala tradition by preparing Onam feast and floral decorations Atham. So through this article, let me introduce you to a few plays exhibiting the true colours of Kairali people.

Kaikotti Kali – It is similar to Thiruvathirakali where ladies wear off-white Kerala saris and play in round. They clap their hands while dancing as a group and hence it’s known as kaikottikali. Kailott means Clapping hands.

Thumbithullal – This art form is also done by a group of ladies, but missing nowadays except remote areas. A girl will be assigned the name thumbi and she will sit in the centre. Her friends will sit around her. They sing songs and dance as well. Their moves become rigorous as time passes by and slowly they return back.

Pulikali/Kaduva kali – On Thiruvonam day, a few people disguised as tigers, leopards and hunters dance around the athams to entertain the crowd who gather around. In Thrissur, Pulikali is celebrated in a grand way where hundreds of people who paint their body with tempera colours of bright shades walk through the streets and reach Vadakkumnatha temple. All artists are males including small boys. 

Kummatti Kali – This art form without any formal steps is conducted a few days before Onam. It’s believed that artists with masks of characters belonging to Hindu mythology are Maveli’s followers who come to every home of Kerala to know about subjects’ whereabouts. The centre of attraction is Thalla who entertains people with her bringal ears and wild moves. All artists are males. All participants cover their full body with Kummatti grass and cover the face with masks.  

Bindi for the beautiful lady – A photo of a lady will be fixed somewhere. Then the participant needs to tie his/her eyes and try to put spot on her forehead. The person who places spot at the correct place on her forehead wins the game. It’s known as ‘Sundarikku Pottukuth’.

Vadam vali – Two groups will be there and they try to drag a rope to their side. The winner team will get a bunch of bananas.

Kalam adi – Similar to Sundarikku Pottukuth, the participant’s eyes will be tied with a cloth and he will be given a stick. Then a pot will be placed on the ground and his friends will take him to someplace to mislead him. Within three strikes, he should break the pot placed in the ground. ‘Kalam’ means clay pot and ‘adi’ means strike.

Article Posted By : Sandhya Rani  On March 23, 2013lView All Articles

Am from Kerala who enjoys Onam season a lot

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http://www.veethi.com/articles/plays-related-to-onam---onakkalikal-article-1836.htm

Keywords :
Onakkalikal , Pulikali , Kummatti , Kaikotti Kali , Vadam vali , kalam adi