Onakalikal - Traditional Onam Games After the gala Onam feast, there are lots of indoor and outdoor traditional sports and activities to indulge in, collectively known as 'Onakalikal'. Besides the usual games of chess, dice or cards, played by the olde people there are football matches, personal combats, archery and boxing for the young and more energetic.

Ball Games:

There is 'Talappanthukali' or football. However, the most popular outdoor game is Pantukali in which the ball is tying a few pebbles in the layers of dried-up plantain leaves with the help of a plantain or coconut fiber. The players are divided into two groups and a stick called 'natta' is planted at one end of the court. The court is basically an open space with lines drawn at to indicate the limit beyond which the ball should not be thrown. One party serves the ball and try to hit the stick while others try to catch it. If the ball is caught then the man is out otherwise he gets another chance.

Combats:

Combats are usually of two kinds - those that are undertaken singly known as Kayyankali. It is a violent game and has all the risks of an ancient duel. However no weapons or horses are allowed. The other type of combat is held in batches and is known as Attakalam. It is less hazardous in nature. Players are divided into two groups. A large circle is drawn on the plain sand floor and one group is placed inside the circle. A member of the second group tries to bring the former outside the circle and both are free to use force. However, once a member of the inside team steps of the circle, he is out. After all the members of a team are dragged out, the other team takes its position inside the circle. If a member of any team cannot be driven out, his party is declared victorious.

Archery:

Known as 'ambeyyal', two groups of young men shoot blunted arrows at each other. However since the arrows are strong and are delivered with force, they still manage to hurt many. The bows are made of about 18-inch long bamboo. There is a mark in the form of a little stick called 'cheppu' and those who hit this mark are allowed to carry all the arrows lying on the ground for their team.

Kutukutu:

Kutukutu is a simple game in which a line drawn at the centre to divide the rectangular court into two. One man from one group advances from the middle line towards the opponent's area uttering 'Kutu Kutu' in one continuous breath and try to touch the opponents and run back to the central line without being caught. However, if he is physically caught and is out of breath before touching the central line, he is out of the game.