Stories

Handicrafts and souvenirs have a long and fascinating history. In fact, they represent the culture and rich heritage of a locale. Showcasing the craftsmanship of Kerala, the Nettur Petti or Aada Petti is an exquisite piece of art used to keep ornaments and other valuables in a majestic way. This petti (box) receives its name from the village of Nettur in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, where the art is...

The lore of King Mahabali and Vamana is retold to young ones in Malayali homes every year when Onam is around the corner. But there’s a story behind the beautiful Onavillu too. Now regarded as a coveted handicraft, the Onavillu was created by the celestial architect Vishwakarma on orders from Lord Vishnu after Mahabali expressed a desire to see all 10 incarnations (Dasavatharam) of the lord before being pushed to...

Onam is around the corner and one of the images that come to anyone’s mind is beautiful women, regardless of their age draping in those kasavu sarees – the off-white robe with those golden borders! This speaks volumes of the tradition and culture of the Keralities, which has travelled across geographical boundaries. There would be hardly any Malayalee who does not own this handloom popularly known as ‘Kerala Saree’. The...