The
late P.S. Warrier, the founder of Arya Vaidya sala, initiated
the revival of the Malayalam stage. It was under his patronage
that the Paramasiva Vilasom dramatic company was started
to promote Malayalam drama, at a time when only Tamil
drama clubs had their sway. A permanent hall to stage
Malayalam dramas, was built at Kottakkal. Later, this
dramatic club was renamed as PSV Natya sanghom where Katha
kali is the main program now. The Natya sanghom also runs
a Kathakali School. Of the popular theatre, K. Damodaran’s
‘Pattabakki’ and Cherukad’s ‘Nammal Onnu’ played an important
role.
Kolkai,
Daffmuttu and Arbanamuttu of Muslim Community are important
folk art forms of the district. Chavittukali or Cherumakkali
is another ancient folk art form of Malappuram. The exponent
of Sopana Sangeetha, late Nheralath Rama Pothuval, hails
from Angadipuram.
The
district has a good network of libraries. The Kerala Grandha
sala Sanghom is very active here. Under the Library Council,
there are 388 affiliated libraries, 97 in Eranad, 62 in
Tirur, 75 in Perinthalmanna, 54 in Thiroorangadi, 55 in
Nilambur and 45 in Ponnani Taluks.
Fairs And Festivals
With
a number of Temples, Mosques & Churches Malappuram
bounds in fairs and festivals. Some important ones are
given below.
Thirumandham
kunnu Pooram
Thirumandham
kunnu pooram is an important temple festival of central
Malabar. Thirumandham kunnu temple is said to be one among
the three important Bhagavati temples of Kerala, the others
being Kodungallur and Panayarakavu. The pooram festival
is 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. Thirumandham kunnu is 2 Kms of perinthalmanna,
in the Kozhikode-Palakkad state highway.
Kottakkal
Pooram
Kottakkal, the seat of Ayurvedic treatment is also famous
for its temple festival. Kottakkal pooram, celebrated
during March-April, is attractive for its cultural festivity.
During the seven days, famous classical artists of the
country perform here.
Nilambur
Pattu
Nilambur
Pattu is an ancient festival. Nilambur Kovilakam conducts
it during Feburary. Thousands 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 Mosque of Kondotty, constructed
in the 18th century AD. The tomb of mohammed
shah the Sufi exponent, is close to the mosque. It was
constructed in Mughal style. The nercha has an inter religious
expression in its ‘Petty Varavu’. Thousands gather during
the nercha, which assumes carnival proportion with hectic
trade and amusements.
Puthenpalli
Nercha
The
Andu Nercha of Puthenpalli at Perumpadappu in the southwest
border of the district is also famous. Lakhs of devotees
attend this annual festival of the mosque. As a part of
the festival, Ney Chor (Ghee Rice) is distributed to devotees
and the poor.
Omanur
Nercha
Omanur
Nercha is a famous mosque festival in Malappuram district,
celebrated in memory of martyrs. Omaanur is 6 Km away
from Kondotty.
Malaparamba
Perunnal
The
Church festival at Malaparamba near Angadipuram is 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-UI-Suha and
Muharam of Muslims Thiruvathira and Navarathri of Hindus
and Christmas of Christians, along with Onam, common to
all are celebrated. An intermingling fragrance of Oppana
pattu, Duff, Kaikottikali and Margam kali, prevails all
over the district. During Onam, a tourism festival for
one week, with a variety of cultural programs is also
organized.
