Onapottan is a folk character that appears during Onam season in North Malabar region. The face of the character is painted and he dons a crown(Kireedom). The Onapottan holds a bell in his hand. An umbrella made of palm leaves held on the other hand completes the attire. Onapottan visits houses during Onam season and showers his blessings. The folk character is very rarely seen these days and is restricted to villages.
Preparations are on in villages in Malabar to welcome Onapottan who visits homes on Uthradam and Thiruvonam. The elaborate preparations for the ‘Maveli theyyam’ starts on Atham day itself, as Onapottan needs elaborate props, including bangles, crown, palm leaf umbrella (Olakkuda) and face paint.
As he visitone’s home, all prosperity come and grace the home, it is believed. Those who perform as Onapottan used to observe strict vows earlier. Now, a section of the new generation have no qualms in flouting traditions, feel theyyam artists.
Onpottan is also called as Oneshwaran or as Onathar.
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