Saddam Beach is a beach of pristine beauty located in Kerala. This beach got its name after the name of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Saddam Beach is a fishing village in the Malappuram district of the Indian state of Kerala. Saddam Beach is concentrated with Muslim community population. The village is made up of a two kilometre coastal belt between Puthenkadapuram and Kettungal in Parappanangadi.
Location of Saddam Beach
Saddam Beach is located in Malappuram district of the Indian state of Kerala.
History of Saddam Beach
The villagers of the area have been mostly choral about their respect of Saddam Hussain. In 2003, stating suffering over the renaming of "Saddam International Airport" to "Baghdad International Airport", some Saddam fans lifted a great sign on the beach with the message "Welcome to Saddam Beach". During the course of the invasion of Baghdad, this coastal village in Kerala witnessed many anti-American and anti-British demonstrations.
Many of the villagers who were working in Gulf countries were forced to return to Saddam Beach as their jobs were lost due to the after effects of the Gulf War, further increasing animosity to the West. Saddam Beach is a heart of anti-American sentiments in South India. It was nearly 2,000 residents in that coastal village of Saddam Beach who have pledged that they will not buy and use the products made in United States of America and other multinational European countries.
Etymology of Saddam Beach
Earlier the village was called Tipu Sultan Beach after the Mysore king Tipu Sultan who took a hostile position in opposition to the British colonial forces throughout the late 18th century. This coastal village in Kerala is named after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, in an act of solidarity during the 1991 Gulf War. Gulf War happened on 2nd August 1990 to 28 February 1991. It was codenamed as the Operation Desert Shield. Gulf War was waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq`s invasion and annexation of Kuwait.
Traditions of Saddam Beach
The culture of the region is based upon Muslim traditions. Saddam Beach village is principally Muslim populated area. Hindus live in comparatively smaller numbers. Duff Muttu, Kolkali and Aravanamuttu are common folk arts of this locality.
People assemble in the mosques for the evening prayer and sit there after the prayers for discussing the public and cultural issues. Business and family issues are also discussed during these evening meetings. The Hindu marginal of this area keeps their rich traditions by celebrating different festivals in their temples. Hindu rituals are done here with a usual attachment like other parts of Kerala.
Visiting information of Saddam Beach
The Saddam Beach is well connected with the other parts of India through Parappanangadi town. National highway No.66 passes through Ramanattukara and the northern broaden joins to Goa and Mumbai. State Highway No.28 starts from Nilambur and connects to Ooty, Mysore and Bengaluru through Highways.12, 29 and 181. The nearby airport is at Kozhikode. The nearest main railway station is at Parappanangadi.
