Nettippattom word came from pali language that means “leaf“. Nettippattom is an ornament that is used to decorate elephants during the festival that are having traditional importance in Kerala state.
It is an integral part of Kerala’s culture. According to Indian mythology, Lord Brahma is considered the first who designed the Nettippattom and Lord Indra’s white elephant was being fortunate to wear that.
Nettippattom Art
Nettippattom has traditional importance in Kerala as it is used to decorate the elephant by making them wear Nettippattom in their foreheads. From very old decades people use to believe that elephants represent the Hindu gods entirely and they bring prosperity and peace.
In Buddhism earlier banyan tree leaf is used to keep in elephant’s forehead during festivals which were called “pattam“. Later leaf got replaced by an ornament and that is Nettippattom.
Every state has some recognized handicrafts. Nettippattom is considered as the famous and traditional handicraft of Kerala. Nettippattom is mostly made in Thrissur and also in Thrippunithura.
Making of Nettippattom
Nettippatom is a shinning and colorful item that made up of some small shaped colorful cotton balls, colorful threads, beads, jute material, chain etc.
in the copper sheets. Sometimes brass is also considered to make Nettippattom. After making a structure and adding all decorative items whole structure is painted with golden color to give it a yellow shine such that it must symbolize royalty.
Nettippatom should have the objects according to a tradition that is the shape of a half-moon, koomban, 2 round ones, 37 half balls, 40 full balls, kalanji and 5000 small bubbles inside it. Nettippattom is considered the contribution of Buddhism.
Different types of Nettippattom
There are different types of Nettippatom such as Churalppuli, Nagapatam, Vengod but collectively it is known as Nettippattom.
In temples, it is called as Thalaikkettu. Nowadays Nettippattom is being used as the decorative pieces in houses in Kerala locality as it gives a classy texture and also they use to worship, which is also the reason that people still know about Nettippattom.
Nettippattom can be seen in every house of local people in Kerala.
