Music is something that connects human beings beyond boundaries, and the sweetness of lullabies, or ‘Tharattu Pattu’ in Malayalam, has been something we all grew up on. A tool for mothers and fathers to put their tiny tots to sleep faster, most lullabies have a combination of adorably sweet and poetic lyrics and calming tunes. Malayalam has an abundant collection of lovely lullabies; some of them are centuries-old lullabies passed on from generation to generation, and some are from new and old Malayalam movies. Whether you are a new parent or have a tiny tot learning their first Malayalam lessons at home, these songs are too precious to not share with them. So, here are some of the sweetest Malayalam lullabies to share with your little ones and pass on to the next generation.

Omanathingal Kidavo

Composed by Irayimman Thampi in 1813, in honour of his nephew’s birth, ‘Omanathingal Kidavo’ is one of the most popular classic Malayalam lullabies. An astonishing fact about this incredible song is that the baby for whom it was composed was the king, Maharajah Swathi Thirunal of Travancore! Already a king when he was just in the womb, Swathi Thirunal was known as ‘Garbha Sreeman'; he grew up to be a great musician and patron of the arts. The song has lovely lyrics rich with similes that compare the child to the shine of the moon and a lotus flower. Every Malayali has heard this song at least once in their lives, and it is still one of the most popular lullabies sung by Malayali mothers. Find the modern renditions of this song on the internet and share the sweetness and beauty of this lullaby fit for a king with your little ones.

Unni Vavavo

Composed by Mohan Sithara and written by the legendary songwriter and poet Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri for the 1991 movie ‘Santhwanam’, ‘Unni Vavavo’ is another classic Malayalam lullaby we all fell in love with. This song has that special something to soothe babies and put them to sleep fast, and the lyrics and tune are utterly lovely! This is one of the first songs that comes to mind if you ask any Malayali for a lullaby, and it is, without a doubt, one of the evergreen lullabies of Malayalam.

Thamarakannanurangenam

‘Thamarakannanurangenam’ is another classic Malayalam lullaby from the 1993 movie ‘Vatsalyam’. Written by the legendary Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, the song starts as the singer urges the baby to sleep lovingly. As the lyrics progress, listeners will fall more in love with the sentiment and sweetness of this song! The nostalgic tune combined with the poetic lyrics creates an atmosphere of utterly soothing sweetness for listeners, and if you are a new parent, you should definitely add this song to your playlist.

Alliyilam Poovo

‘Alliyilam Poovo’ is a Malayalam lullaby from the movie ‘Mangalam Nerunnu’ (1984), penned by MD Rajendran and composed by the legendary music director Ilaiyaraaja. One of the loveliest lullabies in Malayalam movies, this song is, contrary to the custom, a lullaby sung by a father for his daughter. The endearing tune is hard to get out of your mind once you listen to it and has a unique flavour compared to the other classic lullabies in Malayalam.

Ambadi Thannilorunni

There are thousands of songs and lullabies dedicated to baby Krishna in India, and ‘Amabadi Thannilorunni’ is a Malayalam song that starts with lines that adore little Krishna and transforms into one of the loveliest lullabies ever. Composed by G. Devarajan and written by the legendary Malayalam poet Vayalar, the song is from the 1972 movie 'Chembarathi'. Sung by P. Madhuri, the song is a delight you can't miss.

Vavavo Vave

Vavavo Vave’ from the 2003 movie ‘Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum’ is a modern classic in the list of evergreen Malayalam lullabies! Composed by Ouseppachan, the sweet duet was sung by Sujatha Mohan and P. Jayachandran. The lyrics are written by Gireesh Puthenchery, one of the most celebrated songwriters in the Malayalam film industry. A must-listen song, this is one of the best Malayalam lullabies born in the 2000s.

End note

Malayalam has a vast collection of lullabies that define many aspects of childhood and parenthood. ‘Paattu paadi urakkam njan’ (Seetha 1960), ‘Etho varmukilin’ (Pookkalam Varavaayi 1991), ‘Azhakadalinte’ (Chanthupottu 2005), ‘Olathumbathu’ (Pappayude Swantham Appoos 1992)—the list is long! Share these songs with your tiny tots and discuss the meaning and poetry of the lyrics. But do your kids have difficulty speaking or reading Malayalam? Enroll your little ones in Akshharam’s Malayalam language reading class online to arm them with tools to navigate the world of classic Malayalam literature. Connect with us to learn more about our Malayalam language writing class online.