From IT sector job to crafting elephant caparison, how Priya's destiny unfolded

Priya Vatsan, a resident of Kumarapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, had fallen into the vortex of confusion and indecision when destiny ordained her task. Now she is in the fulfilment of receiving such a task. Having shifted from the IT sector to the making of 'nettipattam' (elephant caparison), she is now gaining attention by creating 'chapra' (temple ornaments) for temple festivals. She may even be the first woman to undertake such a mission.

Beginning with 'Nettipattam'
Priya, who worked as a Senior Customer Service Associate at Technopark, quit her job after the birth of her younger daughter. During the COVID period, Priya ventured into 'nettipattam' making. A friend, understanding Priya's interest in embroidery and handicrafts, inspired her. She learned how to make 'nettipattam' with the help of YouTube. She made 'nettipattam' of various sizes to decorate homes, according to the preferences of her customers. Seeing and liking them, she received repeated orders, leading her to decide to continue in this field. Priya says that the fact that all the 'nettipattam' she made were extremely well-liked by the buyers is what gave her the ultimate happiness.

Into the making of 'Chapra'
While focusing on 'nettipattam' making, about six months ago, she received a unique order from the Athiyara Matham Devi Temple in Vanchiyoor. The request was to make a 'chapra' for use during the temple festival.

Priya did not have much knowledge about 'chapra'. However, hearing the temple authorities' request, she decided to make one to the best of her ability, following their instructions. She then learned more about 'chapra'. The temple's instructions were for a design in the shape of a 'thidambu' (temple idol replica). They also provided the exact measurements. Although she had anxieties, being her first attempt, she made the 'chapra' with great interest. Finally, she was able to complete the 'chapra' more beautifully than expected. After performing a puja (prayer) and installing the deity's face, this 'chapra' was used in the Vanchiyoor temple for the festival ceremonies last year.

Seeing the 'chapra' in the Vanchiyoor Temple, the next order came from the Kannammoola Thittamangalam Bhagavathy Temple. Following the instructions of the temple authorities, she completed a similar 'chapra' in a short time.

From Anxiety to Confidence
Generally, women are less likely to make such items for religious purposes. Therefore, Priya had many anxieties during the making of the first 'chapra'. However, she moved forward with the trust the temple authorities placed in her. Understanding the significance of the 'chapra' she makes, she creates them with complete purity and devotion, much like a prayer.

Even after completing the first 'chapra' beautifully, her anxieties were not completely gone. The confidence came from the temple priests saying that anything done with full devotion for a divine cause will only be auspicious. The second 'chapra' was also completed beautifully. This led to a firm belief that God's blessings were coming in this form.

Climbing out of hardship
Making 'chapra' for Priya is not just a step into a new field, but also a hope to overcome the difficult times in her life. Her husband, Biju Kurup, who was a manager in a private company in Saudi Arabia, passed away last year. When she was in a state of being unable to come out of that pain, a path opened up in the form of 'chapra' making. It was a new awakening. Along with making 'nettipattam', Priya hopes for more such opportunities to come her way.

Family support
Her children and parents are fully supporting her in every step she takes. Her elder son, Adi Narayanan, is a first-year BSc Nursing student in Bengaluru. Her younger daughter, Vaishnavi Narayanan, is in the second grade. Priya proudly says that her daughter takes pictures of the completed 'nettipattam' and 'chapra'.