Keralam Mementos Featured in PM e-Auction

• 32 Keralam mementos are part of the e-auction.
• Collection includes Nettoor Petti and Chundan Vallam.
• Kathakali, Theyyam and mural traditions are represented.
• Auction remains open until October 2, 2026.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Sept: A diverse collection of 32 mementos from Keralam is being offered at the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, bringing together the state’s traditional craftsmanship, performing arts, maritime traditions and cultural heritage.

The collection includes distinctive pieces such as a traditional Nettoor Petti, a miniature Chundan Vallam, Kathakali and Theyyam artefacts, Keralam mural paintings and a handcrafted model of the historic Beypore Uru.

Traditional crafts and maritime heritage
Among the featured items is the Orange Nettoor Petti, a traditional jewel box decorated with mural art and brass detailing. The Nettoor Petti has historically been associated with aristocratic households and was used to store ornaments and sacred objects.

Keralam’s maritime traditions are represented by a finely crafted Chundan Vallam, the traditional snake boat associated with the state’s backwaters and Onam boat races.

Another notable item is a miniature Beypore Uru, a traditional wooden maritime dhow. The model was handcrafted by the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Calicut, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It replicates the traditional wooden dhows built by master carpenters of Beypore.

Kathakali and Theyyam traditions
The collection also features representations of Keralam’s performing arts. A Kathakali dancer display doll and a print depicting a Kathakali performer highlight the elaborate makeup, costumes, ornaments and headgear associated with the classical dance-drama.

The Bhairavan Theyyam Ritual Art Sculpture represents Bhairavan Theyyam, a ritualistic dance-art tradition of North Keralam. The sculpture features traditional elements including characteristic headgear, facial makeup, breastplates and attire.

Keralam mural art
The state’s mural tradition is represented by a framed painting of Radha, Krishna and a Gopika, created by artists at the Institute of Mural Painting, Guruvayur Devaswom.

The artwork depicts Lord Krishna playing the flute beneath a banyan tree alongside Radha and a Gopika. It is executed on a specially prepared cement sheet using the traditional five-colour Panchavarna formula.

Spiritual and social heritage
The collection also includes works reflecting Keralam’s spiritual and social heritage. These include a devotional portrait of Adi Shankaracharya, a carved wooden plaque featuring the Sivagiri Mutt Commemorative Carved Wooden Temple, a framed print of Poykayil Sree Kumara Gurudevan and a framed photograph of Sree Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal.

A commemorative artwork marking 100 Years of Vaikom Satyagraha is also part of the collection.

Other featured pieces include a traditional Nettipattam, a Kerala brass Vastu Vilakku, a carved wooden statue of Lord Guruvayurappan and a traditional Shankhu (conch) memento, among others.

Auction open until October 2
The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 will remain live until October 2, 2026. The auction brings together mementos representing India’s diverse cultural traditions and heritage.

For auction dates, participation details and the complete catalogue, prospective participants can visit the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal.