Introduction

Malappuram is the fourth largest urban agglomeration in Kerala. The word Malappuram, in Malayalam, means `On top of the hills`. It is situated 50 km southeast of Kozhikode and 90 km northwest of Palakkad on the Kozhikode Chennai road (NH 213) which joins NH 47 in Palakkad.

History of Malappuram

Malappuram was a military head quarters in ancient times. The Zamorins of Calicut stationed a part of their militia here. Malabar Special Police was established in 1921 in the aftermath of Malabar rebellion, also known as Mappila Lahala. Malappuram also contributed to the cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a centre of Hindu-Vedic as well as Islamic theology.

Geography of Malappuram

Malappuram city is situated in the mid land area of Kerala. It is covered with small beautiful mountains of lushly greenery, bonded with several fresh water streams flowing through the city makes a harmony of natural beauty.

Administration of Malappuram

The Civil station area consists the administrative and other Government offices of the district such as District Collectorate, District Treasury, RTO, PWD Division Office, Jilla Panchayat , Town planning Office, Text depot, District Medical office.

Economy of Malappuram

A major contributor of the local economy is the payments of the migrants residing in the Middle East countries. It also has a strong trader community. Agriculture currently is picking up in Malappuram. People working in different Government offices contribute a major part in the commerce and the economy.

Fair & Festivals in Malappuram

With a number of Temples, Mosques & Churches, Malappuram abounds in fair & festivals. Some important ones are given below:

Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram : Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram is an important temple festival of central Malabar. Thirumandhamkunnu is said to be one among the three important Bhagavati temples of kerala while the others were Kodungallur and Panayanarkavu. The Pooram festival is celebrated during March-April. The cultural feast is the most attractive feature of this festival. The seven-day daily pooja attracts thousands of devotees. The famous Mangalya Pooja attracts young women in thousands, who come to pray for a good wedlock. Thirumandhamkunnu is located at 2 km West of Perinthalmanna, in the Kozhikode-Palakkad state high way.

Kottakkal pooram : Kottakkal is the place of Ayurvedic treatment. It is also famous for its temple festival. Kottakkal Pooram is mainly celebrated during March-April, which is attractive for its cultural festivity. During the seven days long function almost all the famous classical artistes of the country perform here.

Nilambur Pattu : Nilambur Pattu is an ancient festival in this Malappuram district. Nilambur Kovilakam conducts it during February. Thousands of devotees gather to witness this weeklong celebration. The festival is related to ancient war and hunting. Tribal chieftains have important roles in the rituals.

Kondotty Nercha : Kondotty Nercha is a weeklong festival in March. The Nercha is conducted in Pazhayangadi Moque of Kondotty, which was constructed in the 18th century A.D. The Tomb of Mohammed Sha the Sufi Exponent, is close to the mosque. It was constructed in Mughal style. The Nercha has an inter religious expression in its Petyy Varavu. Thousands gather during the Nercha followed by carnival proportions with hectic trade and amusements.

Puthanpally nercha : The Andu Nercha of Puthenpalli at Perumpadappu in the southwest border of the district is very famous. Lakhs of devotees attend this annual festival of the mosque. As a part of the festival, neichor or Ghee Rice is distributed to devotee and the poor.

Omanur Nercha : Omanur Nercha is a famous mosque festival in Malappuram district, celebrated in memory of martyrs. Omanur is 6 Km away from Kondotty.

Malappuram perunnal : The church festival at Malaparamba near Angadipuram is very famous. Church festivals in Pariyapuram, Chungathara, and Edakkara in summer, also attracts plenty of devotees. Small and big religious festivals are conducted in almost all parts of the district during summer. Bakrid, Id-ul-suha and Muharam of Muslims, Thiruvathira and Navarathri of Hindus and Christmas of Christians, along with Onam which is common to all sections, are celebrated. An intermingling fragrance of Oppanapattu, Duff, Kaikottikali, and Margamkali; prevails all over the district. During Onam, a Tourism festival for one week, with a variety of cultural programmes, is also organized.

Festivals : Some of the important festivals observed in different parts of the district are mentioned below:
Kothu and Thalappoli, Pooram, Kala Pattu, Thalapoli, Shashti Utsavam, Pooyam, Navarathri, The Pooyam, Vela, Sivaratri vilakku, Bhagavathy Pattu, Chittu vilakku, Kettiyattam, Jaram Nercha, Ther Pooja, MakaraChovva Vela, Meena karthika, Vettakkaran Pattu, Bhagavathy Ezhunnallippu, Ayyappan Vilaku,Andathodu Nercha, Makara Vila, Feast of St. Kuriakose, Feast of St. Sebastian, Feast of St. Joseph, Milad-I-Sheriff, Muharram, Bathar Moulud, Annual Ratheeb, Feast of St.Francis Xavier, Kumbha Bharany, Pooram, Ekadasi, Vavu Utsavam, Thaipooyam, Kalamkari, Shree Krishna Jayanthi, Mandalapooja, Thunchan day, Kaliyattam, Onam, Vishu, Theeyattam, Thira and Punartham.

Art and culture of Malappuram

Late P.S.Varier, the founder of Arya Vaidya Sala initiated the revival of the Malayalam stage. It was under his patronage that the Parama Siva Vilasam Dramatic Company was started in Kottakkal to promote Malayalam drama. This was the time when only Tamil drama club had their influence. A permanent hall to stage Malayalam dramas was built at Kottakkal. Later, this dramatic club was renamed as P.S.V. Natysangham. At this place Kathakali is the main programme now. A Kathakali School is also run by the Natysanghom.

Of the popular theatre, K. Damodaran`s Pattabakki and Cherukad`s Nammal Onnu played an important role.

Kolkali, Daff Muttu and Aravana Muttu of Muslim community are important folk art forms of the district. Chavittukali or Chermakkali is another ancient folk art of Malappuram. The living example of Sopana Sangetha, Nheralath Rama Poduval, hails from Angadipuram. The district has a good network of libraries. The Kerala Grandhasala Sanghom is very active here. Under the Library Council, there are 332 affiliated libraries, 140 in Ernad, 86 in Tirur, 66 in Perintalamanna and 40 in Ponnani taluks. Under the district Library Council 4 taluks Library Unions are functioning.

Tourist Places In Malappuram

Temples, mosques, shrines and natural wonders make Malappuram a place with its own distinct pulse. There are a number of tourist destinations which are discussed below:

The Thali Temple: This temple is situated at the distance of about 20 kms from Malappuram city. This is mainly placed in Perinthalmanna wherein this famous temple whose presiding deity is Goddess `Durga` is situated. Angadipuram is just 3 km on the East of the place. Pooram festival is celebrated here with great pomp.

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple: This temple is placed at Angadipuram. Situated at the distance of 3 km on the west of Perinthalmanna, this is an important pilgrim centre, whose presiding deity is Goddess `Durga`. In the months March and April the annual festival, Pooram is celebrated at this place.

The Jama-at Mosque: This mosque situated at Malappuram attracts a large number of Muslim pilgrims from every nooks and crannies of Kerala and more during the annual festival in April. The `Mausoleum` abutting the Mosque reminisces the heroic acts of bravery of the martyrs of Malappuram i.e. `The Malappuram Shaheeds`.

The Pazhayangadi Mosque: This mosque is situated at Kondotti, which is situated at the distance of 18 km East of Manjeri. This important pilgrim centre of the Muslims has been built 500 years ago. The annual festival known as the `Valia Nercha`, is unique to the place. This festival held in February and March is indeed a grand feast for three long days.

Tirur: This is placed at the distance of 25 km West of Malappuram. The presence of the birth place of `Thunchath Ezhuthachan`, who is the father of the regional language of Kerala, Malayalam, is the pride of the place. The practice of acquainting toddlers with the alphabets of the fathomless Malayalam, on a small plane of sand taken from the revered spot which was once the abode of Ezhuthachan who later came to be known as Thunchan Parambu, has been going on for years together with unscathed enthusiasm.

Tanur: History suggests this coastal fishing town as one of the settlements of the Portuguese of the very early times. It is also believed that, in 1546, St. Francis Xavier visited the place.

This can be known as the abode of one of the oldest temples of Kerala, `The Keraladeshapuram Temple`. This is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated about 3 km from here.

Kottakkal: The mention of the name `Kottakkal` leads invariably to the thought of `Arya Vaidyasala`. This is founded by Vaidyarathnam in 1902. This can be known as the pioneer institution of Ayurveda. The traditional system of health and medicine which believes in `Prevention is better than cure` though it offers lasting cure to various diseases, has branches throughout the State and in Delhi and Chennai. Relentless in research and development the Vaidyasala runs an Ayurvedic Research Centre which also serves as a nursing home and hospital. An appointment in advance of at least 10 days is mandatory to see the chief doctor. The Ayurvedic centre is famous as P.S. Warrier, `Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala`.

Kottapadi: This place is the base of the Cantonment Hill, near the health-giving Ayurvedic Centre at Kottakkal. This place contains cognizant evidences of an old and once magnificent fort of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. Vettakkorumakan Temple and a popular Siva Temple whose walls are adorned by the ornate paintings of Malabar are not too far away.

Kadaladi Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary ideally studded with beautiful hillocks on a group of exhilarating islands is where the enchanting river `Kadundipuzha` meets her destination. The destination is the Arabian Sea. It is the asylum to more than a 100 species of fascinating bird inhabitants and 60 species of migratory birds. The awesome view of the magnificent river blending effortlessly into the mammoth sea can be had from the vantage points atop a hillock 200 m above the sea level. The place is also the fisherman`s favourite as it hosts a variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

Padinharekara Beach: This place is where the fabulous rivers Bharathapuzha and Tirurpuzha combine and flow into the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the Tipu Sultan road near Ponnani.

The Vallikunnu Beach: A beach resort is a beauty by itself. And this beach is further beautified by the immense coconut grove that graces the place. One more spot of gleeful-awe to bird-admirers -the `Kadaladi` Bird Sanctuary is at a stone`s throw from here.

Kadampuzha: This place is situated at the distance of 30 km from Malappuram. On the highway which passes by Kozhikode and Trissur, about 3 km on the North of Vettichira, the place, Kadampuzha is where the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Bagavathy is present. This is believed to have been established by Sri Adi Sankara, who was a great religious reformer of Hinduism.

Trikandiyur Siva Temple: According to the legends the idol of this temple dedicated to Lord Siva, has been installed by Parasurama. Parasurama was the legendary creator of Kerala. It is located near Tirur.

Mamburam: It is a frequented pilgrim centre of the Muslims in A.R. Nagar Village as it is where the Mosque and Mausoleum of the religious leaders of the Malabar Muslims known locally as the Thangals is situated.

Biyyan Kayal: This place near Ponnani is famous for water-sports. The aqueduct amidst lush green surroundings is anyone`s attraction.

Kodikuthimala: The verdant mountains with a variety of herbs and shrubs, the mighty rocks and the natural perennial springs whose cool waters calm minds are simply nature`s marvel.

Tirunavai: This place is situated on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha. This is placed at the distance of 8 km South of

Tirur. This is a place of historical and religious significance. In older days, the Mamamkam festival celebrated here was a grand assembly of rulers of Kerala. This vestival is held once in 12 years. Believed to have been founded by Cheraman Perumal, it was last performed in 1755. Today, the Sarvodayamela is held in the Navamukunda Temple every January. This temple is said to be founded by the nine great saints and is so called the Banares of the South.

Nilambur: The sylvan landscape with teeming plantations of teak and bamboo on the famous canolis plot is the original abode of Kerala`s oldest tribes called `Cholanaickans`.

Adyanpara: The fabulous waterfalls and the extensive woods are the natural pride of Adyanparai located in Kurumbalangode Village of Nilambur taluk.