NETTIPATNAM - Kerela Crafts

In last summer vacation I visited Kerela I must say I instantly fell in love with the weather. It was major relief from the scorching heat of Delhi to cool breezes of seacoast. The backwaters with the lush green surroundings were really bliss.

Kerela is known best for it beaches, backwaters and most importantly its handicrafts. It was so mesmerizing to see the beautiful artifacts at various places we visited. Few things caught my attention and one of those from Kerela crafts that made me to stop was Nettipatam. Its intricate design left me awestruck and so I decided to explore more about it.

What is Nettipatam:

Nettipatam (Elephant Caparison) is a traditional handicraft of Kerela that is used to adorn the elephant forehead and trunk during special occasions and festivals. Elephants are important part of Indian festivals, usually they are painted and decorated with cloth covers but in Kerela elephants are decorated with Nettipatam.

Thrissur Pooram is the local festival in which all Elephants are adorned with Nettipatam. According to the legends Lord Brahma first designed Nettipatam for Lord Indra’s Elephant Airavat.

Many more stories are also associated with its make and designs too.

Nettipatam & its Designs:

Traditional Nettipatam is made from Jute and cotton cloth, locally called as Jagathanath cloth, red cotton cloth material, which is used in length and width. These materials are then stitched in semicircle shape that is copper plated with gold.

Traditional Nettipatam is crafted with pure gold plating whereas the fancy ones are given a golden hue. Craftsmen sewing these Nettipatams are an expert and are trustworthy as they have plenty have bubble like structures made of gold, that is intricate in the pattern to make the extravagant Nettipatam. 

In Thirssur Pooram festival, the center elephant wears Nettipatam called Churapooli, which is long as the elephant is also huge and has long forehead. The elephants to the right and left of center ones wear Nettipatam called Nagapaddam that has pattern of snake on it. And the rest of elephants wear Vandoodae Nettipatam, which have a shape of wasp. All these are used in traditional festivals and are built with a month long hardwork of expert craftsmen.

Fancy Nettipatams are given a golden hue and are more economical one and are made of polymer and plastic material and colorful wool.

Benefits of Nettipatam:

§  It is not only a decorative piece but also has a great significance.

§  It is believe that by keeping Nettipatam in house and offices, brings happiness and prosperity follows.

§  This colouful artifact also accompanies positive energy, success, beauty and good luck.

§  Nettipatam sizes vary drastically, from car hangings to cover the huge elephant forehead. So you know which size to buy for yourself.

§  They are also a perfect way to decorate our home or could be a great option as a gift.

Knowing facts and the stories of its make that I couldn't resist myself buying one miniature piece of Nettipatam wall hanging and it is so appealing.

 

As the luggage was already full I could only manage to get a tiny one from Kerela. So I am on my way to order one from Roque Handicrafts, to get my choice Nettipatam, delivered at home. You can find various size options at Roque Handicrafts website and which are also available at leading online e-commerce website Amazon.

Decorating home with handicraft items is my way, what is your way to decorate home?

Do you have a corner that depicts love for handicrafts?

Share your thoughts with us in comments section below.

@Sonal