Nettipattam – A Timeless Handcrafted Art Rooted in Kerala

Introduction

Kerala hosts several temple festivals that take place throughout the year. It involves a grand procession and massive displays on the streets with crowds flooding in to soak in the splendour and pomp. Families gather from different corners of the world to attend the event and giant feasts. The visual displays include crowds dancing in get-ups and elephants wearing shimmering Nettipattam. Nettipattam is a sacred golden headdress from Kerala, which is an integral part of the temple festivals. It is a divine symbol of radiance, protection, and prosperity. While Nettipattam was once used during temple festivals and processions, now it is used in homes as a statement décor piece. It allows heritage craftsmanship to find a place in everyday living spaces.

Natriel offers a wide variety of gifting products and home décor products, which will elevate your surroundings. Natriel closely works with skilled artisans to create traditional Nettipattam using durable materials. We ensure that the essence of original craft is preserved while making it suitable for modern interiors.

Nettipattam – Origin and Cultural Meaning

Nettipattam originated from two words – “Netti” means forehead, and “Pattom” means band. So, it’s a traditional ornament used to adorn elephants during temple festivals and other auspicious events. In English, it is known as Elephant Caparison, and it has an ornate design with elaborate patterns and intricate detailing. Use of bold colour frills around Nettipattam adds a festive touch to the ornament. Over time, Nettipattam evolved from an elephant forehead band to a symbol of devotion, prestige, and ceremonial identity unique to Kerala’s temples.

What Size should you choose for Nettipattam?

Nettipattam comes in three sizes – Small (6 to 10 inches), Medium (12 to 18 inches) and Large (20 inches and above).

1) Small Nettipattam is ideal for pooja corners and shelves. 

2) Medium Nettipattam is best for elevating wall décor in the living room, corridors or above door frames.

3) Large Nettipattam is designed to make a statement, so ideal for feature walls, traditional interiors and event décor.

Where should we place Handcrafted Nettipattam at home?

[Nettipattam at the outside home near the door image] Nettipattam is associated with prosperity, protection and celebration. Its placement enhances both symbolic value and visual appeal. Traditional Nettipattam décor can be placed in -

1) Living room – In the living room, it will create an instant cultural focal point.

2) Entrance – When it is placed in the entrance, it welcomes positivity and makes a strong impression.

3) Pooja Room – In the pooja rooms, it will add sacred and divine energy due to its traditional significance.

4) Above door frames – In Kerala homes, it is common to have it above door frames as it brings auspicious energy into the homes. 

5) Event and festive décor – It is commonly used during weddings, housewarmings, Onam and Vishu celebrations.

Materials used in crafting Nettipattam

Nettipattam wall hanging is traditionally made from copper or brass material, and a gold plate is used to achieve a lustrous shine. Skilled artisans create traditional patterns and stitch Small metallic balls onto the jute or cotton base. It is auspicious to decorate the home with Nettipattam as it attracts wealth and positive energy. Legend has it that Lord Brahma created the first Nettipattam for Airavata, Lord Indra’s divine elephant. Each Nettipattam is a symbolic representation of Ganesha, Navagarsha, Trimoorths, and Stars. Goddess Lakshmi is on the left, while goddess Saraswati is on the right, making it a powerful spiritual object. Many people keep the Nettipattam wall hanging in their homes to ward off evil energy and attract good fortune.

In temple festivals, it is worn by Elephants, but its miniature versions are hung in homes and offices to bring peace and spiritual energy. As per Vaastu, it should be placed in the East-West direction of the home to attract positive energy. Nettipattam is an important part of celebrations such as Onam, Vishu, and Diwali, etc, as it creates an atmosphere of abundance and devotion.

Major temple festivals where Nettipattam is most prominent

Nettipattam is the most magnificent expression of the Kerala temple festival, which is held between February and May. During temple festival season, ritual, community, and visual grandeur come together. This is not merely a decorative ornament but a defining element of festival identity.

1. Thrissur Pooram (April-May) – This is the most iconic temple festival of India, where majestic elephants stand in perfect alignment. Each elephant is adorned with a large, gleaming Nettipattam, and that has become an important part of Kerala's cultural heritage. Nettipattam reflects ceremonial grandeur and temple pride and ceremonial grandeur.

2. Arattupuzha Pooram (March-April) – It is one of the oldest pooram in Kerala, which showcase Nettipattam in a deeply ritualistic context. In ceremonial processions, elephants carrying Nettipattam are an age-old tradition.

3. Annual Temple Ulsavams across Kerala (Feb-May) – Every temple conducts an annual Ulsavam during this time, and an elephant wearing a sacred Nettipattam reinforces its role in the temple culture of Kerala.

Nettipattam represents celebration, detailed craftsmanship, and visual balance. During Pooram festivals, homes are adorned with grand Nettipattam, transforming living spaces into extensions of celebration and bringing festive spirit into your modern home.

Elements of traditional Nettipattam

Traditionally believed, a Nettipattam is not just an object but a celestial map which features the Hindu pantheon crafted in metal.

1. Trimurti – In the heart, lies the representation of Trimurti, which has Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. They are the principal deities of creation, preservation, and destruction.

2. Ganesha – In the centre, there is the largest dome, which is known as Kumbham that is known a symbol of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god that removes obstacles.

3. Celestial Court – In this arrangement, the celestial court includes a shimmering crescent that is a symbol of the moon, while smaller bubbles known are stars, which are Saptarishi, Ashta Vasus, and Navagraha.

It makes Nettipattam a powerful object of meditation and a visual encyclopaedia of faith. While traditionally, Nettipattam was made for temple processions for elephants using heavy leather and metal. The modern versions use lighter, refined materials, which makes this easily accessible for homes. It is a collectable that is most used as a wall décor item that encourages prosperity and good fortune.

Why does Nettipattam appeal beyond Kerala?

 

• Window into India’s living heritage – For people who live outside Kerala, Nettipattam represents India’s most powerful temple traditions. Owning it allows them to connect with a culture unfamiliar but deeply rooted, which is a means to celebrate India’s diversity.

• Distinctive Décor statement piece - Nettipattam is not just a common wall art but a bold statement piece. It won't just shine in traditional homes but also in modern interiors. It will be appreciated by those who value India's rich cultural heritage. It offers unique products that are better than mainstream décor products.

• Appreciation for the craft – This product is a unique piece of art which has intricate handwork and detailing that requires days or weeks to complete. This is why people value artisanal skill regardless of where the craft originated.

• Cultural symbol with universal meaning – Even though it is rooted in Kerala, it is a symbol of strength, dignity, and prosperity. Anyone looking for good décor seeks positive energy and cultural depth.

• Collectable Item – Nettipattam is a handicraft collectable that is rare and iconic. It represents the Kerala temple festival, cultural heritage, and traditional ornamentation, which makes it an important addition to curated craft.

• A thoughtful gift – Nettipattam is a perfect gift for weddings, housewarming, or festive gifting. It communicates tradition, prosperity and cultural depth, which makes it meaningful rather than ornamental.

• Alignment with conscious living – If you are seeking something ethical, handcrafted, and sustainable, then Nettipattam is perfect for you. When you buy something from Natriel, it supports artisan communities and preserves cultural crafts that transcend regional boundaries.

Owning a Nettipattam to bring the Indian heritage into modern urban life. Nettipattam is a feeling of warmth and tradition in fast-paced homes.

Why is Natriel the best place for buying Nettipattam?

1. Authentic craftsmanship – Natriel offers authentic Nettipattam, which respects the traditional design of Kerala heritage, that is adapted for modern spaces.

2. Meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans – Natriel’s Nettipattam is handcrafted by skilled Indian artisans. We have onboarded authentic artisans who make elegant Nettipattam, which will enhance your living space.

3. Ethical production – Natriel ensures fair remuneration and respectful working conditions for artisans, upholding transparent and responsible craft practices. When you buy from Natriel, you are directly supporting skilled artisans and sustainable livelihoods, choosing thoughtfully made long long-lasting design over disposable décor.

4. Design for contemporary spaces- Natriel Nettipattam are designed to match the modern interiors. It can be placed in living rooms, entry ways, pooja spaces, to study walls in homes. They bring culture and tradition into the home, which makes it suitable for every home in the world.

5. Exceptional quality – Natriel crafts products from high-quality material, which makes the product durable, beautifully finished, and ready to display. Natriel offers premium quality Nettipattam, which is long-lasting.

With Natriel, you are not just buying décor, but you are investing in heritage, craftsmanship, and India’s artistic legacy.

Nettipattam as a Sustainable Handicraft Gift

The times have changed as people who once preferred mass-produced goods are now increasingly choosing handcrafted products. Nettipattam is a handcrafted cultural artefact created through a skilled manual process. This process requires precision and thoughtful design. Each piece carries the artist’s unique touch, making it valuable and meaningful.

Nettipattam is made from quality materials, which makes it long-lasting and sustainable. It is designed in such a way that it needs to be cherished, not replaced, so it remains visually relevant for a long time. It is not a fleeting décor trend that needs replacement, but a long-lasting, stable product that suits every type of interior.

Natriel empowers artisans and supports communities to encourage people to keep crafting handcrafted products. When you select Nettipattam as a gift, you are supporting artisans. This craft has been passed down generation of artisans to preserve cultural heritage. Nettipattam is more of a collectable item preferred by heritage lovers and contributes to a responsible form of consumption. Sustainability in this context goes beyond material but lies in preserving cultural tradition, encouraging ethical production, and keeping crafts alive and relevant for the future.

Conclusion

Nettipattam is not just a decorative item but a living expression of Kerala’s temple festivals. It is shaped by generations of rituals, artistry, and celebration. Rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage, Nettipattam use is prevalent during temple festivals between February and May. It is used during elephant processions, where each elephant wears a Nettipattam as a forehead gear in ceremonial events. These events reflect a tradition that has brought communities together through craft and visual harmony. Nettipattam has moved from temples to modern homes, but it still carries the essence of the temple festivals. In cultural spirit, people hang Nettipattam hangings at home as it brings prosperity and good fortune. Natriel offers a wide variety of handcrafted Nettipattam made from quality materials. Natriel plays a vital role in empowering artisan communities in preserving this craft. It ensures that its artistry and cultural depth remain relevant and cherished for years to come.

Bring home the golden spirit of Kerala’s temple festivals with Natriel’s handcrafted Nettipattam Wall hanging. Explore our limited, thoughtfully made pieces here.

Nettipattam is ideal for cultural and art lovers, home décor enthusiasts, spiritual households, festive and wedding gifting, NRI and Kerala Natives, and Corporate and luxury gifting.

You can also explore our blog on Kerala Boats blog here. 

FAQ for Nettipattam

Q Is it good to keep Nettipattam at home?

Nettipattam is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to homes. It also wards off negative energy and brings positivity into homes. 

Q What is the Nettipattam wall hanging made of?

Nettipattam wall hanging is made of polymer or fibre for lighter indoor décor. 

Q What is the use of Nettipattam?

Nettipattam is used to adorn an elephant during temple festivals. As a home décor item, it is used as a wall hanging and sometimes as a car hanging as well. 

Q Where to hang Nettipattam in the house?

As per Vaastu principles, it is auspicious to hang Nettipattam in the East-West direction of the home to bring positive energy. 

Q How do we maintain Nettipattam?

Gently wipe it with a soft and dry cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. It is ideal to keep it away from moisture and sunlight to preserve shine.