Onathallu, a martial art form of Kerala

They are fighting… not because they are enemies but a rare entertainment popular during the harvest festival of Kerala- Onam. It is called Onathallu. A bare handed fight where the combatants face each other without any weapons and is popular a mock fight. The men are dressed in dhotis or plain white cloth worn high like tight shorts around their waists in a sort of bandage around their legs.

Performed as part of the Onam celebrations actually it is a martial art for entertainment which is similar to that of Kabadi. Kayyankali is another famous name for this art form. A spectacular and highly competitive display of Onathallu may be seen in the Onam celebrations held in regions such as Central Travancore and the northern regions of Kunnamkulam, Kavassery and Palakkad.