Making of Onavillu

Shown in the video is the making of Onavillu. These are artistically created, bow-like objects that are presented as offering to the presiding deity at the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

During Onam, on the Thiruvonam (asterism) day, large number of devotees visit the Padmanabha Swamy Temple to take part in a ceremony called – onavillu charthal or the dedication ceremony of the colourful bows.

The bows, which are prepared traditionally by a family in Thiruvananthapuram, carry paintings that depict characters and events from Hindu mythology. They include the Anantha Sayanam –the reclining pose of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, demon Thadaka, Maharshi and Dwarapalakas.