Topic: Revival of onnara |
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Onnara or thar was worn by ladies of Kerala about 30 years ago, mainly by Hindus.Generations of ladies used onnara and around 100years ago upper class ladies used only onnara, without mundu above. From last few years, following the invasion by churidhar, gradually ladies abandoned onnara, and started using knickers followed by panties or shuddy. Eventhough panties provide benefits like easy to wear, easy to wash, will not become loose easily,can be worn under pants or churidar with out difficulty, produce health problems in many.Those who are interested please respond. We can discuss in detail later |
by Guest Thu Mar 31 16:28:01 UTC 2011 |
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Onnara is still worn by many working girls;especially teachers.So I think the assumption that the custom of wearing onnara is become obsolete is not a factual statement.some lady teachers instuct highschool girls to practice onnara for beauty and safety aspects. |
by girija Sun Apr 03 16:47:05 UTC 2011 |
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Yes, What Girija Mam says is very correct. There are few ladies still using onnara, especially in Trissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Kuttanad areas of Kerala.In these areas Madithar type of onnara is prevalent.Because onnara is free erom synthetic elements like elstic, polyester nylon etc, it will not produce any health problems like allergy, discoloration or infection of skin.For those who wear saree or loose or baggy churidhar onnara is ideal.Wearing onnara with optimum tightness help to shape the body.Shall discuss advantages of onnara in subsequent discussions. |
by Guest of March31 Mon Apr 04 15:43:02 UTC 2011 |
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I am also a lady teacher who regularly wears onnara under skirt and saree;in my home,almost 30 yrs back,my mom and her sister(chitta)were in a simple onnara and mundu with jacket-and no underskirt was worn over onnaramundu.In that costume,they appeared to be cute and fascinating!My hus still is fond of onnara as he observes that it is the most inspirating lingerie he has ever seen...... |
by Radha Mon Apr 04 16:36:34 UTC 2011 |
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Dear respondents,why should we try to revive onnara in this modern era where most suitable cotton lingerie like panty girdles are available in plenty?I have never seen a teen-age girl tucking in onnara in my hostel;and our senior P G chechis are also using knitwear as inner cloth.Save our matron who is a strict conservative middle-aged lady,none in our hostel premise are seen with onnara as undie.Anyhow onnara is a primitive undercloth that need be condemned soon. |
by Leena Mon Apr 04 16:43:30 UTC 2011 |
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Dear Leena Mam, To answer your question, we have to compare the merits and demerits of onnara and panty, the modern lingerie, and decide.So let us discuss. Before that I should introduce myself.I am a male physician, M.D, General Medicine, practising in Kerala Govt Service from lst 26 yrars, and treating several types of diseases and my observations and experiences are the basis of my opinion |
by Guest of March 31-Doctor Tue Apr 05 15:33:04 UTC 2011 |
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Merits of panty,
1.Easy to wear,
2.Easy to wash,
3.Compatible with modern dresses like skinny jeans, leggings etc,
4.Will not become loose and will not fall off, as long as elastic is good,
5.Easy availability, can be bought even from road side vendors,
6.No training is needed to wear, just slip on,
7.Good for exhibitionists, many girls show their panty by wearing very thin and transparent pants of churidar made with the material used for shawl and wearing top with side slits reaching up above the level of the upper boarder of pants, so that the panty can be seen very clearly. |
by Doctor Tue Apr 05 16:06:12 UTC 2011 |
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Demerits of panty,
1.Made of some elements of synthetic material like elstic, nylon, polyester, synthetic yarn etc, which can produce allergic reactions in many and I have seen many such cases,
2.Only a small area of cloth covers the genital area, so can not absorb secretions effectively and may predispose to infections,
3.Continuous irritation by elatic may lead to contact dermatitis of upper thigh and lower abdomen, also discoloration,
4.Synthetic materials will not absorb moisture from secretions resulting in wetness and perpetuation of fungal infection, also urinary tract infection,
5.If thin under skirt and thin sarees or thin pants are worn,with churidar, shadow of panties will be seen from back and it is awkward in our set up, even though foreigners enjoy it giving a name called 'vpl'(visible panty lines)(search google or you tube),
6.In a good number of girls panties produce health issues and I have treated several cases. |
by Doctor Tue Apr 05 16:27:51 UTC 2011 |
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Revival of ONNARA is not easy. After all, ONNARA is only confined to certain sects of women in Kerala. Even amongst them, today's girls are so used to wear Panties right from their young age and most of them consider ONNARA as an old fashioned underwear. Of course, as the Doctor has pointed out, like any other modern things, panties have their health problems as well. But nobody can deny the fact that ONNARA, if properly worn, is a healthy, comforting form of underwear adding to the beauty of any KERALA woman. |
by guest Fri Apr 08 17:19:23 UTC 2011 |
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I don't think revival of Onnara as an women's underwear is a problem. Only thing is, today's young women has never been to it and they don't know the comfort it provides. Also, they think that it is pretty old fashionable and fear that others may take notice of it. But the truth is, Onnara is never as visible from outside as panties and once today's young ladies try the comfort it offers for a few days, it will catch like wild fire and drive out panties from the market, at least in Kerala. |
by guest Sat Apr 09 02:19:24 UTC 2011 |
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For western women, who wear half-gowns or mini-frocks, panties or even a loin cloth is OK. It allows for lot of cool air to be passed over the inner parts of the body. But for a tropical climate like India where ladies wear saree with full skirts or churidars, there is hardly any flow of free air to their private parts and this gives rise to heavy sweat formation.Here, the multipurpose "onnara" of Kerala women can be very useful acting as a good abosrbant of sweat and can play a good role in keeping the private parts clean. I think, today's young women folks should try this ancient inner wear rather than a loin cloth. |
by From another forum Sun Apr 10 02:31:16 UTC 2011 |
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Each culture has developed its own dress code over the years.Onnara and Mundu is supposed to be a speciality of the Kerala women and in no other States, it is seen. But everywhere, women has developed some ways of cloth tucking around their private parts. Tamils have theri own style' Marathis have a different style of wearing Thaar. Onnnaramundu always appeals better to Kerlaites. May be it has a grace and beauty of its own with the white colur and it slips easily inside any dress, traditional or modern. It is a pity that our women has almost said Good bye to Onnaramundu. Only old ladies wear it these days. Even in villages of kerala, it is not seen these days. |
by guest Wed Apr 13 06:26:20 UTC 2011 |
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How to ware onnara(with pictures) |
by Remya Sat Apr 16 04:08:38 UTC 2011 |
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How to wear an Onnara.
Onnara is one and half sized mundu, nearly six muzham in length. This is wrapped over the buttocks and the two free ends are kept at equal length. One end is pulled up to the face level and the other end is tightly wound over this and the end inserted at the right side of belly. Then leave the top end and it will drop the other end and the conical end will be touching the ground almost. Now kneel down and catch the back portion of the mundu and bring it up to the waist under the conical flap portion dropping down. Now spread the legs little bit and insert this portion in between bottom belly and the edge of the dhothi. This portion will be tight now over the pelvis, the thighs will be covered upto the knee fully and partially downwards. Now the final process starts. Bring one hand to the back and catch the dropping conical front end through the spreaded legs (between thighs) and pull the end as much tight as possible and nicely insert the tail portion in between the back over the buttock and cloth.
By now for ladies of some good structure some statue look will be there and curves and shape of the back will be well displayed. In olden days only a plain dothi used to be worn over this so that the onnara will be partially visible through the cloth. Now there is one underskirt for fully covering the onnara. Still the buttock shape will be prominent with an onnara and any brand of panty can't keep the structure like this. |
by guest Sun Apr 17 03:18:02 UTC 2011 |
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Please elaborate on the measurement of mundu and muzham in feet or inches. |
by guest Thu Apr 21 03:02:30 UTC 2011 |
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The normal length of a mundu is 6 feet or 180 inches. To wear onnara a mundu of nearly 9 feet or 260 inches is needed. Width needed is 3 feet or 90 inches. Ready made onnara mundu is available in hantex or handloom stores, kasavukada in Trivandrum and Ernakulam. Also mallu mundu can be bought in desired length by cutting in the dimensions given above ie 260 in >< 90 inches, and stiching the sides. Wish u a happy onnaraying |
by Doctor Thu Apr 21 03:42:19 UTC 2011 |
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Usually a Muzham is measured by a forearm length.
Roughly, it can be over a feet or 40 centimeters or put it accurately 1 muzham= 46.6666 centimetre [= 1.53 ft]. When taken the actual measurement in feet, onnara will become very lengthy, about 9 ft. in length. For most of the women, this much length is not necessary and a mesurement of 2x1 metre shoud be ideal. Or one can buy traditional onnara from Handloom stores like Karlakada or Kasavukada. kasavukadaonline has even a E-shop where one can buy online. One can view a traditional onnara diagram in their webpage link-Traditional |
by guest Thu Apr 21 04:21:13 UTC 2011 |
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Doctor who is great advocate of Onnara advises a 9ftx3ft measurement. This is useful if one is not wearing any pettycoat over onnara and is just used to wear a mundu over onnara (while staying in the house). Such a lengthy onnara can easily cover upto ankle and there is hardly any need of a pettycoat. also, it is OK inside a housecoat. But these days, one is so used to the pettycoats especially when you are going out, lengthy onnara can be some nuisance. Hence a 6ftx3ft can be a little more comfortable wear under a saree or churidar and it can be worn with a maximum tightness. |
by guest Thu Apr 21 17:26:46 UTC 2011 |
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I too use both 3 x 1 metre as well as 2 x 1 metre cloth as onnara. 3 x 1 seems to be ideal at home. It covers more area and can be worn a litte loose. It provides more length at the tail portion which can be tucked deeply inside. No need of Pavada at home. But since more portion is tucked inside at the back, sometimes it presents a bulge at the back especially when you wear saree. So a 2 x 1 metre is preferable when one goes out. Also, remember to put knots at both ends so that tucked in portion will remain tight inspite of the lesser length. If you wear it tightly, this will never come out and will remain in place through out the day for any number of hours. |
by guest Fri Apr 22 04:18:47 UTC 2011 |
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Actual measurement of Onnara is 6 into 2 or 2 point 5 muzham ie a mundu of 3 into 1 or 1 point 25 metre is assumed But most women prefer a 2 into 1 metre mundu for conveniece At home I use a long chuttythorthu as onnara and a 2 into 1 m cut piece of soft mallumundu to tuck in while going out |
by Radhamony Sat Apr 23 10:29:06 UTC 2011 |
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Is there any special advantage of wearing chuttythorth at home and malmundu for outside ? This thorthu, will it not be very rough to wear and very small in size? |
by guest Sat Apr 23 15:22:58 UTC 2011 |
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Thorthu is a fine absorbant of discharges and cheaply available but a bit tough to wear as yu observe almost 20 yrs back Janathathorth of Kannur handloom was available throughout Kerala not now Chutty is a mark of beauty and an erotic symbol for male counterparts sufficiently long thorths are available in Travancore area for use as onnara for domestic use chuttythorthu is enough and for comfort onnara made of mallu is desirable for beginners who are being trained to tie onnara on attaining puberty thorth was suggested in southern districts |
by Radhamony Sat Apr 23 19:02:07 UTC 2011 |
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What will be the length and width of Chuttythorthu available these days ? Usually we get only 4ft x 2 ft. standard measurment which is not at all sufficient. Using Chuttythorthu during periods, can we avoid completely using of other Napkins or other materials ? |
by guest Sun Apr 24 01:21:40 UTC 2011 |
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Thorthu available in our area is of 4 into 2 point 5 muzham size which is sufficient for madithar During periods we insert a thick pad made of old pieces of soft white cloth and tie a konakam over that And we normally dont wear onnara during periods Instead chuttythorthu is worn as ordinary mundu under skirt We have seen napkins but never used this modern absorbant |
by Radhamony Sun Apr 24 06:14:20 UTC 2011 |
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Why onnara is not worn during periods? I was thinking that Onnara is best designed for use during menstrual days. |
by guest Sun Apr 24 14:59:42 UTC 2011 |
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Some women to keep onnara clean during menstruation may do so And madithar is not advisable during period Then njori thar is the best suited with the old model menstrual care |
by A rural housewife Sun Apr 24 20:11:50 UTC 2011 |
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Some women to keep onnara clean during menstruation may do so And madithar is not advisable during period Then njori thar is the best suited with the old model menstrual care |
by A rural housewife Sun Apr 24 20:25:24 UTC 2011 |
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I wanted to try onnara during my next menstrual time thinking that it will give some added protection. But now confused, as some regular users say that they dont use it during those special days. Want to seek advise from the Doctor in this forum. |
by guest Mon Apr 25 03:34:40 UTC 2011 |
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Onnara can be safely used during periods.In the early 1970s ladies used onnara supplemented by soft clothes during periods.Chutty thorthu mentioned here is a good option.During the first day usual onnara is adequate for most. Then soft clothes are folded in layers and placed inside the madi and a konakam may be tied above that and onnara is worn tightly above that.Ladies in my family are wearing like this and they say they feel safe and secure then and superior to napkins and panties.During heavy flow days, the inner soft clothes may be changed, keeping konakam and onnara same till next bath. Several ladies do not tie konakam, but keep clothes inside near skin and wear onnara directly over that.If soft clothes are adequate wetness will not come out and feeling caused by napkins will not be there. Try onnara. Good luck |
by Doctor Mon Apr 25 15:36:31 UTC 2011 |
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Thank yu doctor for the valuable information But I have a doubt While inserting pieces of clothes without tying konakam and tucking in onnara during menstruation wont these pieces fall down in the bathroom I am a recent converter to onnara on yr advice a working girl aged 28 yrs Hope the respected doctor cud clarify |
by Hema Mon Apr 25 20:23:58 UTC 2011 |
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Thank yu doctor for the valuable information But I have a doubt While inserting pieces of clothes without tying konakam and tucking in onnara during menstruation wont these pieces fall down in the bathroom I am a recent converter to onnara on yr advice a working girl aged 28 yrs Hope the respected doctor cud clarify |
by Hema Mon Apr 25 20:25:07 UTC 2011 |
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Dear hema, You say you are recently started using Onnara and a working girl. I want to know whether you face some difficulty in changing from pantice to onnara. Any problen while using bathrooms at office. Do you fear it will get loose and come out easily. Why I am asking is, I too a working girl and want to try this on health ground. I have tried using onnara on sunday but the problem I face is it gets loosend easily while working at home and it always make me overconscious about it falling down. may be I am so used to pantice and not well trained in tying onnara. I tie onnara the ordinary way and I don't know whether it is what some call Madithaar. I usuall wear saree as well as churidar. So far I have no courage to use onnara for office for the fear that it will come out or other colleagues may notice it. I want to know your experience since you say you started wearing recently. |
by guest Tue Apr 26 02:40:11 UTC 2011 |
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Dear Hema, What the ladies I know do is they take soft clothes like kerchiefs or clothes of 30cm>< 30cms from old double mundu or mallumundu and fold to a sufficient size and place in front and tuck it's upper boarder part in the aranjan which they constantly use. The hanging portion they place over the area to be covered and tightly wear madi of onnara over it. While untying to answear natures call it will not fall down, but hang from aranjan.In order to prevent loosening of onnara, knots are put on both sides of onnara tucked on front and back, which can be mastered by wearing it for few days.Any doubts welcome |
by Doctor Tue Apr 26 15:12:02 UTC 2011 |
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Doctor Sir yr clarification was like a true demonstration and we do appreciate it Yu are a great man with a commitment to preserve our old conventions Being motivated thru yr posts there are 3 more converts from panties to onnara Let us collectively try to revive onnara And w r to the remarks of the guest in the first stage I felt a bit difficult to walk while wearing onnara but loosening was not a problem for me as I tie the mundu almost tightly and comments from my colleagues are in favour as many of them wearing saree are quite aware of madithar and its advantages To my surprise it is learnt that 5 of them including my supdt are still wearing onnara regularly They are of opinion that onnara adds to our confidence and feeling of comfort |
by Hema Tue Apr 26 18:41:20 UTC 2011 |
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Dear hema, Thanks for sharing your experience. But in my case, I have tried it wearing it tightly, but after some time when you walk, move and bend, it gets loosend and the tail comes out. I have tried to put a knot at the end as some people suggest,but for that you require a lengthy mundu and when the mundu is very long, it shows a bulge at the back side which is noticeable easily. My colleagues are quite fashionable and surely mock at me for turning to such a old way of dressing. But as you say, onnara gives me such a feeling of comfort compared to pantice and I don't want to give up. You are lucky that you have company of onnara wearing friends with whom you can share the problems. |
by guest Wed Apr 27 03:12:46 UTC 2011 |
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Dear Guest pl try soft bleached cotton onnaramundu widely available in South Malabar On nerratting yr problem our colleague from that area suggested to use such an onnara of 5 muzham lengh to meet yr requirement That size mundu has a narrow kara and available in almost all shops in Malappuram and Palakkad dristicts Pl wear 2 thick cotton underskirts over onnara to avoid probable notice of onnarakkuthu by others Regular practice of tucking in this type of onnara will bring in better results reduce yr problems Best wishes dear guest |
by Hema Thu Apr 28 16:17:55 UTC 2011 |
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I have a simple solution to women who love to wear "ONNARA" and are at the same time afraid of it getting untied espcially, the tucked in portion at the back. Wear Onnara as usual. If you are comfortable putting a Knot at the back end, it can sit tightly. Then put on your Pantice above it. This way, you have multiple benefits. You can escape from any allergic situation coming from the use of nylon pantice and you are also having the comfort of the Onnara. Above all, since you are wearing pantice over onnara, even if the tail portion of the Onnara comes out, you will never have the fear of it falling out completely. Once you get the confidence, you can do away with Pantice completely. |
by guest Mon May 02 02:08:20 UTC 2011 |
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When regularly weared onnara or madisar sari it is necessary for komanam or konakam in period. it is best with madisar from the experience of myself. Not possible for napkins with madisar. I am not tried onnara because of not necessary for madisar sari.But I am thinking it is same like madisar and Komanam will suit for people who weared onnara regularly also.
My advice to persons who are now try to change to weared onnara regularly is for Komanam in period. It is better than pad. Any problem or question you can be consult myself. Also if any person of first time onnara having problem or experience can write question or experience. I can able to suggest. |
by Kusu Kusu Thu May 05 15:49:24 UTC 2011 |
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Dear Kusu madam for madisar what kind of sari is used cotton sari or pattu sari onnara is like madisar Can we see women wearing madisar throughout the day in your area |
by Suma Thu May 12 04:49:37 UTC 2011 |
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Suggestion of the guest works well. Tried wearing pantice over onnara. Though the feeling of the pantice not there, it gives confidence for beginners. There is wonderful feeling of safety and security of onnara sitting tight while in the office. |
by guest Sun May 15 03:12:28 UTC 2011 |
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Suma
Sorry for the late reply. You can waered Madisar with silk sari and also the cotton sari. FOr daily the cotton is best and it is the best comfortable cloth for Madisar. Silk is for functions. In my area of Salem ony very few weared Madisarkattu regularly. But in Chennai in some areas like Thiruvallikeni and Mambalam you can see more. Even young peoples of 25 to 40 age. Also in some villages. |
by Kusu Kusu Mon May 30 16:31:23 UTC 2011 |
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y you all r advocating 4 such a spl. dress code as it was used by only nairs or upper cast women? vat bout ladies of other community..?
how can u call onnara as THE Keralite dress when majority of women did not know even how 2 wear it |
by guest Sun Jun 05 18:07:13 UTC 2011 |
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Onnara was mainly used by nairs or upper clss women in olden days, but gradually others followed.Durind sixtees seventees and early eightees onnara was worn by ladies of most Hindu communities in central Kerala.Due to the invasion of churidar from north India, ladies abandoned onnara and accepted panties and many developed health issues.In this context some ladies thought of reintroducing the ancieht simple healthy dress code and started blogs example being "thattuduthapennu.blogspot.co" and "onnara.blogspot.co, but due to reduced responses they abandoned them.Donot misundestand that onnara is a dress code of upper caste women, it can be used by any health conscious lady, benifits of which we have already discussed in this forum.Discussions in another forum describe that even christian ladies use onnara these days.Apart from the point of view of health, onnara if properly worn, covers the front portion, presses it while walking and give them a sexual satisfaction,also help to control sexual urge to some extent. It is high time to bring back the habit of wearing onnara among the ladies of Kerala irrespective of religion or community |
by Doctor Fri Jun 10 15:37:02 UTC 2011 |
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Wow, this was an interesting topic. I never knew an onnara was so good! During college, my hostel mate from Pandalam had a set of long thorths, different colors of chutty and I was seeing this funny lingerie for the first time then. It was soft and she said a lot more comfortable than panties. I think I'll give it a try. Are these the normal thorthu we get from store? The ones we use are small and I don't think I can wear it the way you described above. Should we ask for onnara thorth? What is this muzham(?), equivalent to feet? |
by Suma Jose Thu Jun 30 11:35:06 UTC 2011 |
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