'Onappottan' Joins DYFI’s ‘Hridayapoorvam’ Meal Distribution at Kozhikode Medical College

Kozhikode: 'Onappottan' also joined the meal distribution being organised at Kozhikode Medical College as part of the DYFI’s Hridayapoorvam project. On Uthradam day, PK Shaiju, dressed as an 'Onappottan', arrived to collect food as part of the programme organised by the Kovukunnu Changaramkulam South unit of the Kunnummal block.

In Kadathanad, Onappottans are traditionally regarded as representations of Maveli. In some places, they are also known as Oneshwaran. On Uthradam and Thiruvonam, 'Onappottans' visit homes accompanied by the ringing of bells. Once they put on their tall crowns decorated with 'thechi' flowers, they do not speak.

They also wear a long beard that covers the area from below the nose to the upper part of the chest. 'Onappottan' traditionally eat food only after removing their costume.

Photographs of the 'Onappottan' participating in the DYFI’s Hridayapoorvam initiative, a daily lunch distribution programme across Medical Colleges in the state, have now attracted attention on social media.