Onavillu: Art and craft meet faith at Kerala’s Onam festivities

Community & Culture By Dileep V Kumar Sep 13, 2024 Read the article

As Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, draws near, lovers of the arts can feast on the tradition of the Onavillu.

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Onavillu is the ritualistic bow offering at the sacred Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

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Onavillu, also known as Pallivillu, is a ceremonial bow, adorned with exquisite miniature paintings.

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On Thiruvonam day, which falls on September 15 this year, these stunning ceremonial bows will once again be laid at the feet of Lord Vishnu.

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The crafting of the Onavillu has been the domain of expertise of one family of artisans – Vilayilveedu – settled in Karamana in Thiruvananthapuram.

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Crafting the Onavillu is a process steeped in tradition and ritual. The tree from which the wood will be sourced is carefully chosen.

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During the preparation of the Onavillu, craftsmen observe a 41-day penance; the bows are readied in a sacred space, and always treated with reverence.

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