On Uthradam morning in Kerala’s Malabar, ‘Onapottan’ Theyyams visit to bestow blessings

Keeping up with tradition, the ‘Onapottan’ Theyyams visited the Panthiradi manor on Uthradam morning this year too. On Saturday, nine of these Theyyams—adorned with beards, crowns, and Onam-special umbrellas—were warmly welcomed by the residents with lit lamps, and offered them rice, new clothes, and dakshina (money) as part of the customary rituals.

“In the villages of Malabar, Onapottan Theyyam’s is the first image that comes to mind when we think of Onam. ‘Oneshwaran’ is another name for them. Elders believe Onappottan represents Mahabali,” said P P Dineshan, local resident and a teacher.

The Theyyam and the customs

Onapottan is a Theyyam figure unique to the Onam season, whose mission is to announce the arrival of the festival. Each year, the journey begins from the Panthiradi manor in Kozhikode’s Nittoor village. From there, they get on with their sacred walk through the small winding roads of the village.

Onapottan Theyyams walk fast – they wait for none and stop nowhere. At times, they dance, and even run. This is to ensure they cover as many households as possible and bestow blessings to the maximum number of residents.

They are mute, and hence the name. “As per tradition, Onapottans must remain silent from Uthradam morning until the end of the journey on Thiruvonam day,” said Dineshan.

“The right to be an Onapottan Theyyam is reserved to the members of the Malaya community. Earlier, they used to live in Vadayam region of the district, but were later relocated to Nittoor’s Vellolippil region to make the manor visit early in the morning easier,” said Kappekkat Prakashan, a member of the manor.

The attire

The Onapottan’s attire is beautiful and elaborate. The face is painted with a mixture of red arsenic and vermilion, while the crown is adorned with flowers from the West Indian jasmine (techi) plant. The Theyyam wears a red cloth, with intricate designs, around the body, has a decorative carry bag on the shoulder, and an umbrella made from palm leaves.

However, what truly distinguishes the Onapottan at first glance is the beard. The long white beard, made using banana tree fibre, is worn above the Onapottan’s mouth. After a disciplined forty-one days of fasting, on Uthradam day, those who play Onapottans bathe at dawn, make offerings to their ancestors, and perform rituals before donning the attire.

The ornaments are crafted from the Indian coral tree, which is harvested a year in advance and dried before being shaped by hand (Express Photo)

Creating this elaborate costume is a painstaking process, often taking several months. “The preparation begins in January and continues until August or September,” said Rajesh Panicker, a specialist from Nittoor village. “The ornaments are crafted from the Indian coral tree, which is harvested a year in advance and dried before being shaped by hand.” However, Panicker noted that finding raw materials has become increasingly difficult in recent years.

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