The celebration of Kerala's state festival, Onam, is marked by various artistic practices across different regions of the state. In the South Malabar region and central parts of Kerala, Onam is celebrated with the vibrant folk performance known as Kummattikkali. This performance involves a procession of dancers wearing masks and costumes made of green grass or dried leaves. Locals, adorned in these earthy and lively outfits, visit homes and parade through streets, dancing to the rhythm of drum beats. The Kummattikkali held on the second day of Onam in Thrissur city is a famous annual showcase of this tradition. Onam comes in second half of August or first half of the month September. During the Onam festivities, Kummatties roam the village streets, collecting money, rice or jaggery, banana and banana chips which was the old tradition.

Legend
Onam celebrates the return of King Mahabali, a benevolent Asura king. According to legend, Mahabali's reign was so prosperous that it threatened the (Devas) gods. Mahavishnu, in his Vamana (dwarf) incarnation, tricked Mahabali into relinquishing his kingdom. As a boon, Mahabali is allowed to visit his people once a year, which is celebrated as Onam. The legend also says that the Devas were concerned that Mahabali might reclaim his kingdom upon his return, so they sought help from Lord Shiva (Mahadeva). Shiva then appointed his followers, the Bhoothaganas, to oversee the land. These Bhoothas masked their faces and covered their bodies with leaves and grass, patrolling the streets as guardians. Another version of the legend says that the Bhoothaganas parade through the streets, dancing to welcome King Mahabali back to his land.

Tradition and Performance
This traditional performance includes various deities, human figures, and animal characters, all adorned with large face masks. Common portrayal \ of characters include Shiva, Brahma, Rama, Krishna, Ganesha, Kirathamoorthy, Daarikan (a demon), Goddess Kali, Kaattalan (wild man), Garuda, Sugreeva, Bali, Thantha or Apoopan (elderly man), and Sanyasi (hermit). The character of ‘Thalla Kummatti’ (an elderly woman or grandmother) leads the procession. Some performers also wear tiger masks which resembles another folk art form, ‘Pulikkali’ (the tiger dance). In earlier times, the face masks were crafted from the spathes of the arecanut tree or carved from jackfruit wood. Today, while traditional masks are still used, performers sometimes incorporate modern and fanciful characters into their costumes. The bodies of Kummattis are covered in a special grass known as Parpataka grass, or 'Kummatti pullu' (Kummatti grass). This grass is braided in a specific style and tied around the body. Some characters also use dried leaves, especially dried banana leaves, for their attire. The masks vary in size and expression, ranging from humorous to fierce, with some having a divine appearance.

Kummattikkali, more than just a ritual, serves to entertain and amuse villagers and is a major highlight of the Onam festival. The dance is accompanied by the 'Onavillu', a traditional musical instrument made from Arecanut wood. The instrument, consisting of a bow and strings, is played by striking the strings with a thin bamboo stick to produce the music that guides the dancers.

The Kummatti festival in Thrissur city is a grand event that features around 60 different teams from various parts of the city. These teams meet at the city's centre, in front of the renowned Vadakkumnathan Shiva Temple, where they seek blessings from Lord Shiva before performing and parading through the city streets. 

In villages, Kummatti processions occur on any day close to or following Onam. The name ‘Kummatti’ is also associated with special festivals held in different parts of Palakkad and Wayanad, particularly in Bhadrakali temples during their annual celebrations. Kummattikkali remains a cherished tradition that carries the spirit of Onam, bringing communities together through vibrant performances and shared joy.