Onavillu is a simple, short bow-shaped musical instrument made of palm or bamboo. Its use during the
Onam celebrations must have given it that name. The bow string when struck with a thin stick, the size of a pencil, produces sound. Varying pressure on the string with fingers affects the sound. Though a regular accompaniment in rural art forms such as ‘
Kummattikkal,' the use of Onavillu is on the decline now.
