Discovering the Olakkuda: The Palm Leaf Umbrella of the Pana

Today's random reading is about "Utsavam 2008-09," a showcase of artistic talent in 14 districts of Kerala, India. In particular, I learn that "Porattukali or Porattu Natakam is a theatre art that is being sustained in the districts of Palakkad and Thrissur mainly by the members of Pana community. Their main profession is making of the traditional umbrella, Olakkuda, and weaving."



Thanks to the "Song of the Waves" blog, one can learn that the umbrella is an integral part of telling the story during the festival marking the annual visit of the mythical King Mahabali (Maveli) to Kerala. However, one also learns that "olakkuda is a rare sight. One finds them mostly in curio shops and tourist places. Hardly any one uses olakkuda now."

To the right, Artist Namboothiri illustrates Edasseri's Poem Poothapattu - Song on the Poltergeist picture of Unni, who is on his way to the "pallikkoodam" (school) and "is holding the ezhuthani (iron scribe) in his left hand and the cut-to-size treated palm leaves to write on and Olakkuda (an umbrella made of palm leaves) in the right hand."