Kunnamkulam’s Onathallu: where festivities pack a punch

The first thing that reaches the crowd is the warrior’s call.

A fighter stamps his feet, loosens his body and springs into the arena. His opponent waits across the ground. They approach, clasp hands, exchange a few measured steps and retreat. For a moment, there is silence.

This is Onathallu, also known as Kayyankali or Onappeda, an indigenous form of bare-handed wrestling that has long been woven into the Onam traditions of central Keralam. In Kunnamkulam, the old martial game once again took centre stage, bringing together fighters separated by generations but united by a shared inheritance.

After a two-year break, the traditional contest returned to the town as part of the Onam celebrations. Organised by the Popular Arts and Sports Centre, around 80 fighters, ranging from youngsters to men well past 70, entered the arena under the guidance of veteran masters.