Palakkad (Palghat)

Palakkad (Palghat) The land where the lord Siva’s chariot rolls

Located between Thichur (Thrissur), Malappuram and Tamilnadu, Palakkadu has much in common with the neighboring state Tamilnadu. Sizable number of Tamil population and common border with Tamilnadu are definitely the main reasons behind the hybrid look that Palakkadu has, moreover Palakkad was part of the former Madras residency and joined kerala at the time states were regrouped based on languages.

Palakkad is 4480sq.km.in area and the population is about 0.15million. This district is subdivided in to five taluks and further in to 163 villages. The western- ghats which guards the eastern portion of Kerala has some gaps at the eastern portion of Palakkad and this geographical specialty enabled frequent human traffic across the border between the states of Kerala and Tamilnadu, thus both cultures got a chance to mingle with each other giving rise to the special features of this district.

Palakkad is fortunate enough to bear some of the most valuable personalities in Kerala history. The great bard who created the epic “Adhyatma Ramayana”- Sri Thujathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan is perhaps the first and the foremost among them. The Ramayana written in simple and pure Malayalam is even now read in each house. This holy book not only did carry the message of Lord Rama to the people of Kerala but made them speak and think in refined and pure Malayam all through Kerala, creating a sort of linguistic identity to the people of Kerala. The other Sri.Kunjan Nambiar, the grand father of Malayalam’s satirists was born in Killikurisi Mangalam just ten kilometers from Palakkad. The great contribution of Kunjannambiar to Malayalam was his “Thullal Pattukal”(thullal for dance and pattukal songs). Kunjan Nambiar became an inmate in the royal palace of the Ambalapuzha(10 k.m. south of Alappuzha)dynasty. From a humble position of an instrument player he rose to the level of a well known poet . His satirical works often ridiculed even the pettiness of the king and members of the royal court. His stage performance was such a hit that it invited the jealousy of the performers other arts and the king had to ban the “thullal” performance in the compound of Ambalapuzha temple. Even now thullal is banned in that temple compound.

There is much for a tourist to see and enjoy in some of the most exclusive locations at affordable cost. The Parambikulam wild life sanctuary is a must see location, where the rare and endangered Nilgiri Tahr roam free. There are other wild animals in this area like bison and varieties of deers and birds. The Palakkad fort built by Hyder Ali the great conqueror from Mysore is still here to see. The old granite fort is in state of dilapidation. The Siruvani dam in the Kerala Tamilnadu border is an archaeological wonder. Silent Valley is in Palakkad .This is a virgin forest the existence of which was threatened when a hydro-electric dam was planned to construct in the river. The struggle for preservation of the forest was a very event- full one in the history of Kerala. Rather it was a victory of all who loved nature and wished to see it in its original and pristine state.. The “chariot festival” (known as retholsavam” held at Kalpathi Viswanatha temple is not just a great festival of Palakkad but one of the greatest events in the whole state of Kerala. It is a celebration of the whole people of this locality. The whole lot of relatives of the families –how far they are living- visit their ancestral family at palakkad to take part in the celebration. These celebrations take place during the month of November. There are many other temple festivals in this location. Manappullikavu Vela (vela is a demonstration of old war techniques. Where actors dressed in traditional war costumes fall in to two team and mimic use of swords and shield as if in a war, Pavakoothu (puppet play) held during March and April is a great crowd puller (in this play the puppets are dressed to resemble characters of local legends and perform the ritual with the accompaniment of instruments). Chinakathoor pooram etc. are just some of them.

Palakkad is well connected by rail and road. Shornur junction is a very important railway station where the rail way lines to Chinnai and Manglore bifurcates. Palghat is also a major railway station which is on the way between Kerala and Tamilnadu. The national highway no. 47 passes through Palakkad and is the trunk road which connects Kerala to Tamilnadu. The nearest airport is at Nedumpassery which is about a hundred kilometers. It is November and the wheels of the chariots at the Viswanatha temple at Kalpathi is about to roll! a golden chance no one can afford to miss. So be at Kalpathi don’t just witness but take part in the great event that is retholsavam.

Author: Sasi Kumar

Source: Naturemagics.com - website on Kerala Tourism

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