Pallassana is a thriving village and gram-panchayat situated in the Palakkad District of Kerala, India. It is situated alongside the Gayatri River that is one of the tributaries of Bharathapuzha, Pallassana is close to the towns of Kollengode and Koduvayur. This charming village is famous for its rich heritage of culture especially in the field of folklore and art.

One of the most important attractions located in Pallassana are Pallassana’s Meenkulathi temple that is a revered spiritual centre that draws devotees from across the globe. The temple isn’t just an abode of worship, but also a place of culture with traditional rituals and celebrations bring the community to one another.

Pallassana is known as a place for folklore and traditional art forms, such as Kanyarkali as well as Porattukali that are an integral part of the village’s cultural identity. These traditional art forms are exhibited at special occasions and festivals and preserve the rich traditions from the local area. This village is home to many famous artists in this field, and famous Dwaraka Krishnan Asaan as among the most well-known. His commitment and expertise in promoting and conserving these traditional art forms have left an imprint not only in Kerala but also across the globe.

Alongside its traditional arts, Pallassana is also famous for its percussionists and musicians, especially those who specialize in performing the Chenda. The town has been home to many of the world’s most famous musicians, including legendary Padmanabha Maar as well as Kalamandalam Chandra Mannadiar Both of who are renowned for their extraordinary contribution to the art of percussion. Their legacy lives on with the younger generation of artists who continue the rich history of the percussion genre in Pallassana.

In general, Pallassana is a village where culture, art and spirituality are interwoven and make it a distinctive and richly culturally-rich location in Kerala.

The name “Pallassana” is believed to have evolved from “Pallava Sena,” referring to the Pallava Army, which historically constituted a significant military force in the region. The Onathallu ritual is an enactment of physical combat and warlike performances by the men of the Nair community, primarily at the Vettakaruman Devaswom temple premises in Pallassana. The OBC community also participates in similar performances at Thallumannam, a nearby location. This ritual takes place during the Avittam nakshatra of Onam in Puthankavu and the Thiruvonam nakshatra of Onam in Thallumannam.

The festival is characterized by men pairing up to engage in mock combat, under the watchful guidance of elders in the community. These performances involve intense physical action, including battle cries and other expressions of combat behavior, replicating the fervor and energy of real battles. The enactments are more than just physical displays; they are a form of vazhivaadu (ritual offering) by the participants, who see it as a way to honor their ancestors and uphold the martial traditions of their forefathers.

Onathallu is a highly revered and well-attended event, attracting large crowds who gather to witness this dynamic and culturally significant spectacle. The festival not only serves as a reminder of the village’s martial heritage but also strengthens the communal bonds among the participants and spectators, preserving the rich traditions of Pallassana for future generations. Through Onathallu, the villagers continue to pay homage to their warrior ancestors, ensuring that their legacy lives on.