Olakkuda Ezhunnallath, a festival of palm leaf umbrellas, aims to reimagine the product

A six-feet diameter umbrella will be the main highlight at the fest in Kozhikode; workshops and a seminar to be held on Nov. 9

Folkland, an NGO that promotes Kerala’s art and culture and S.K. Potakkad Culture Centre will host the Olakudda Ezhunallath (a festival of palm leaf umbrellas) at S.K. Pottakkad Cultural Centre in Kozhikode on November 8, 9, and 10.

V. Jayarajan, the founder and chairman of Folkland, says that the palm leaf umbrella is a craft that is dying out. Keralites have an emotional connect with it, he continues and explains that the umbrella also has a socio-cultural significance given its extensive use in rituals, Theyyam, and other performing arts.

There are different types of olakuddas: kaalkuda used by children; arakuda for women; marakuda for Brahmin women; thoppikuda for farm hands and fishermen; and kalakkuda for agricultural women and theyyakkuda made specially for Theyyam oracles.

There were also umbrellas that were designed for Onam like the mavelikkudda that protects Thrikakkara appan and the one used by Onappottan when he visits homes.

“The Panan community, known for the Thuyilunarthu pattu (songs related to the ritual dance), carried the olakkuda,” says Jayarajan. The palm leaf umbrella is used in Kuchelavritham Kathakali and folk performances such as Aati Kalinja of Kasargod district (a ritual dance that brings prosperity during aadi months) and the Porattu natakam prevalant in Palakkad and Thrissur districts  (a folk theatre).

Though the umbrella is made by several communities, the Ganakan or Kanisan is the most prominent as they offer olakkuda to temples and kavus. Jayarajan rues the fact that the olakkuda is no longer used as a shield against inclement weather but points out that “there are 1,000s of Theyya kavus (Theyyam shrines) where the olakkuda is required.” 

There is also an endearing belief that the umbrella becomes a vehicle for the divine. “The only explanation for this belief is that the supplicant finds his umbrella has become heavy/or that he trembles when he reaches home. This means that his request to the divine to come home with him has come true,” explains Jayarajan.