Context
Recently, traditional Onathappan clay figures were displayed for sale at Thrippunithura, Kerala, ahead of Onam. These pyramid-shaped ritual objects represent figures associated with the festival, including Vamana and Mahabali.
Explanation
- Onam is an important annual harvest and cultural festival of Kerala, traditionally celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam.
- It is associated with the legendary King Mahabali (Maveli), whose annual return to Kerala is celebrated during Onam.
- The tradition is also linked to Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appears in the Mahabali legend.
- Onathappan, also called Thrikkakara Appan, refers to pyramid-shaped figures traditionally made from clay or mud and worshipped during Onam.
- These figures may represent Vamana/Thrikkakara Appan and Mahabali and form part of household Onam rituals.
- Thrikkakara Temple, near Kochi, is an important centre of Onam celebrations and is associated with Vamana.
- Other prominent Onam traditions include Pookalam, Onasadya, Vallam Kali and Pulikali.
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