The majestic elephants adorned with Nettippattom, symbolise the famous festival celebrations of Kerala. This is a favorite sight for the festive-loving Malayalis. The Nettippattom, also known as the 'elephant caparison' or 'elephant forehead ornament,' used to adorn the foreheads of elephants during festivals, ritual occasions, and other auspicious ceremonies. 'Netti' means forehead and 'pattam' a band in Malayalam. The Nettippattom stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. These intricate ornaments are not only used during festivals but also find their place in home decor. Whether it is adorning the entrance of a house or adding a touch of grace to interiors, the Nettippattom brings a unique and captivating charm, making it a popular ornamental piece in households. It is also believed that the artifact symbolizes power and prosperity.

Creating a Nettippattom is a lengthy task that requires highly skilled craftsmanship. The process involves stitching metal balls into special shapes using cotton and jute sacks. While copper is the primary material, brass is also used, rarely. Each piece is later painted with gold to achieve the characteristic yellow shine.

To make a simple Nettippattom, about three and a half kilograms of copper and three sovereigns (24 grams) of gold are needed. The crafting process takes no less than 20 days, reflecting the complexity and dedication involved. A Nettippattom consists of various elements: 11 half-moon-shaped objects, a pointed object called Koomban kinnam, two round ones, 37 half balls, 40 full balls, one kalanji, and 5000 small bubbles inside it. Each bubble or ball-like element in a Nettippattom represents significant spiritual and cosmic entities, including the pancha-bhoothas (five elements), the Trimurti (three principal deities), the Navagrahas (nine planets), the Ashta Vasus (eight elemental gods), the Saptarishis (seven sages), and Moola Ganapathi (the primal form of lord Ganesha). 

The size of the Nettippattom varies with the size of the elephant. An elephant standing 9 to 10 feet tall would require an ornament measuring 60 to 66 inches in length, with at least 11 crescents (chandrakkala) on it. The edges and tip of the Nettippattom are decorated with colorful woollen thread hangings, to enhance the visual appeal. The intricate designs and vibrant colours add a touch of tradition, creating a focal point that is both captivating and culturally significant.