Onavillu- The instrument which represents the 'Onam' beat

An Onavillu is a bow-shaped musical instrument. Its name may come from Onam, a festival in Kerala where the instrument is used in dances. The Onavillu tradition of Malabar is still being carried on by Thekkepurakkal Kuttiatha and his son Madhu from Malappuram.

Kerala: With Onam festival just a few days away, a traditional artisan family in Malappuram district of Kerala is busy preparing 'Onavillu', a ceremonial bow to be dedicated to Lord Sree Padmanabha, as part of a three-century-old tradition.

Onam is a major annual festival for Keralites residing in and out of the state and 'Onavillu' is played during the celebrations. It is a musical instrument that comprises of bow and strings, which are made from Areca nut wood.

The Onavillu tradition of Malabar is still being carried on by Thekkepurakkal Kuttiatha and his son Madhu from Malappuram, both are experts in making and playing this instrument.

According to Kuttiatha till the recent past, they observed the custom of gifting Onavillu to the members in the families, during Onam.

All the male members of Kuttiatha family immerse themselves in the task of crafting these instruments.

According to them, the main problem faced by them is a lack of raw materials as the demand for Onavillu has been increasing among devotees every year as they believe that it is auspicious to keep it in home and will bring prosperity.

"The performers hold the Villu in a particular manner so as to press the stem of the bow on the bare chest. The fine music is produced only when we use it in that manner," said Madhu.