Onnara

Onnara is a traditional form of underwear for women^[1][2] of all ages worn among Hindu women in Kerala (the southernmost state of India). Onnara is a dothi (sarong) tied in such a way that it is tight, and can't be accidentally untied.

Specifications

A cotton (handloom) cloth of size 6 muzham × 3 muzham (1 muzham = 1.5 ft approximately) is used to drape around the waist, in a particular style under the outer garment (pavada, saree, or mundu).

Other names

Onnara is also called thaar in some parts of the state. The word is more often used in the southern part of Kerala; onnara is mostly a northern Kerala usage. However, there are certain differences in wearing thaar compared to onnara. The style of wearing thaar is simpler than that of onnara and there are different types of thaar.

History

In the olden days,^[when?] tradition said that people should visit the temple in the morning and evening, wearing onnara, because having a dip and coming to temple with wet garments was strictly prohibited as it exhibited the body parts to others. Both men and women wore it, but women in particular wore it at home and as an inner garment while going out.^[3]

Nowadays it is increasingly being used by women of all classes of society.

Medical benefits

Onnara provides enough support and covers the vulva completely, giving enough space for absorption of secretions and at the same time giving ample space for air circulation as it is worn loose in those areas. Even during menstruation, it prevents leakage from the sides and a feeling of uneasiness due to its breadth.^[3]

References

1. Das, Kamala (1 September 2009). A Childhood In Malabar: A Memoir. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-93-5118-152-1.
2. Weisbord, Merrily (30 September 2010). The Love Queen of Malabar: Memoir of a Friendship with Kamala Das. McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-7735-8141-8.
3. Dr. Thasneem (18 March 2016). "Onnara – A Tradition Indians Have Left Back! – BoostUpLife". BoostUpLife. Retrieved 31 March 2016.