About
Onam is the most celebrated festival of God’s Own Country. It brings together a multitude of colours and arts. Onapottan (Onesvaran) is one such folk character that appears during the Onam season in North Malabar region of Kerala. The Onapottan visits the houses during the Utradam and Thiruvonam days of Onam. The role of Onapottan is enacted by an artist. The name Onapottan is given to this character because he does not speak (pottan means deaf in Malayalam language). His arrival is announced by ringing of the traditional 'hand bell'. He wears elaborate props including the heavy crown, palm leaf umbrella (Olakkuda), bangles and face paint. He is supposed to bring prosperity to the houses he visits by giving blessings. However, it is not a common sight now, and is popular only in villages. In some parts of Kerala, the right to enact Onapottan is restricted to members of Malaya community.