With Onam, comes pookalams and the figurines called Onathappan that occupy a place of pride in each home. These cone-shaped clay statues that represent King Mahabali is the handiwork of about 20 of the 32 families that live in Kolathuruthu, near Moovattupuzha, and belong to the community of traditional artisans engaged in making articles from clay.
However, most them now make their living from daily wage labour, says K.K. Thankappan, who has been organising his villagers for the Onam sales.
He says that a paucity of clay and its current cost have made his people turn away from their traditional craft. It is during the Onam season that they turn to making Onathappan and other figures associated with the legend of Onam.
Profits from these sales are used for the families for their Onam celebrations, said Thankappan, who also pointed out that if the sales turned out good their children had new clothes.
Mr. Thankappan said that with clay becoming difficult to come by, they buy supplies from large-scale pottery units for about Rs. 40 a kg.
Though clay is available in the areas neighbouring Kolathuruthu, getting licence for mining is a cumbersome process, he said.
