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About US

Mannar Venkalam & Traditional Handicrafts, based in Mannar, takes forward the proud legacy of Viswakarma community, the traditional metal craftsmen. The Viswakarmas settled in areas including Mannar, Parumala, Chengannur and Aranmula are famous for their exceptional craftsmanship. Aranmula Kannadi is a unique handicrafts product of the Viswakarmas, which is renowned worldwide. The Viswakarmas are traditionally engaged in manufacturing items and vessels required for temples and households. During the olden days, when electricity was unheard of, lamps had a special place in the lives of people. The Viswakarmas used to manufacture lamps like Kavaravilakku, Nilavilakku, Thookkuvilakku and Kodivilakku, as per the orders from kings.

Leadership Par Excellence

P Palani Achary, the proprietor of Mannar Venkalam & Traditional Handicrafts, has taken upon his shoulders the mission to carry this glorious legacy forward. He holds the prestigious A class Contract License from the Travancore Devaswom Board for works related to temple construction and renovation.

Palani Achary inherited his incredible master craftsmanship from his father, P Ponnappan Achary. During his father's days, the market system was not evolved as it is today. So his father was engaged in manufacturing and door-to-door selling of metal handicrafts. As a child, PalaniAchary used to accompany his father to village markets(chantha) as well as to places like Eranakulam and the High Ranges for selling his products. They used to have a small workshop and a few workers near to their house to manufacture the items.

But as Palani Achary grew up, though for a limited period, he chose a different path. He earned a BCom degree and took up the job as an accountant in a Mumbai company. But after almost 20 years, he returned to his native place and took up his family business.Now he has been in this field for the past 28 years. During this period, he has undertaken works of almost a 100 temples in Kerala. He has also undertaken works in Mumbai, Karnataka, Goa, Delhi, Kolkata and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Altogether, during these three decades, he has undertaken almost 250 projects.

Mannar Venkalam & Traditional Handicrafts is an initiative that aims to take our vocation to the next level. It aims to give a corporate identity to works we have been undertaking for generations. We manufacture and supply different varieties of traditional bronze lamps, idols, utensils and works of art. We also manufacture customized products as per the requirements of the customers.