NEW DELHI: Keralam’s rich artistic and cultural heritage is taking centre stage at the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, with 32 mementos from the state included in the latest auction.
The collection offers a glimpse into Keralam’s traditional craftsmanship, performing arts, maritime heritage, mural traditions and spiritual legacy. Among the featured items are a traditional Nettoor Petti, a miniature Chundan Vallam, Kathakali and Theyyam artefacts, Keralam’s mural art and a handcrafted model of the historic Beypore Uru.
One of the notable pieces is an Orange Nettoor Petti, a traditional jewellery box decorated with mural art and brass detailing. Nettoor Pettis are traditionally associated with Keralam’s craftsmanship and were historically used in aristocratic households to store ornaments and sacred objects.
Keralam’s maritime traditions are represented by a finely crafted miniature Chundan Vallam, the iconic snake boat associated with the state’s backwaters and Onam boat races.
The collection also features a miniature Beypore Uru, the traditional wooden maritime dhow associated with Keralam’s historic shipbuilding tradition. The model was handcrafted by the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Calicut, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It replicates the wooden dhows traditionally built by master craftsmen in Beypore.
Keralam’s performing arts find representation through a Kathakali dancer display doll and a print depicting a Kathakali performer. The pieces highlight the elaborate makeup, costumes, ornaments and distinctive headgear associated with the classical dance-drama.
Another striking artefact is the Bhairavan Theyyam Ritual Art Sculpture, representing Bhairavan Theyyam, a ritual dance-art tradition of North Keralam associated with a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The sculpture features the traditional headgear, facial makeup, breastplates and attire characteristic of the ritual form.
Keralam’s celebrated 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 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 technique.
The collection also reflects Kerala’s spiritual and social heritage, featuring a devotional portrait of Adi Shankaracharya, a carved wooden plaque depicting 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 the Vaikom Satyagraha is also among the Keralam’s exhibits. Other notable pieces include a traditional Nettipattam, Kerala brass Vastu Vilakku, carved wooden statue of Lord Guruvayurappan and a traditional Shankhu (conch) memento.
The eighth edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 will remain open until October 2. The auction brings together mementos representing India’s diverse cultural traditions, with Kerala’s collection offering a distinctive showcase of the state’s art, craftsmanship and heritage.
Details regarding participation, auction dates and the complete catalogue are available on the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal at pmmementos.gov.in.
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