|
 With Nilgiris in the east and the Arabian sea in the west, Malappuram district presents a treat to the eye. Rich and evergreen forests, ravines, hills and dales, rivers and brooks, sandy surfs and palm fringed coasts, festive mood of the gayful Onapatt - the district preserves the cultural wealth of the good old days. It has in store, a hoary past with Zamorins rule, Mamankam festival, Vellattiris revenge and the resultant Chaver Pada (Suicide Squad), the British rule and indiscriminate oppression of the masses in connivance with exploiting landlords, the National and the Khilaphat movement, the Malabar rebellion and the such.
Malappuram district has a good tradition in the field of art and culture. Many of the renowned writers and poets hail from this part of the land. The revival of the Malayalam stage was initiated by the late P.S. Varier, the founder of Arya Vaidya Sala. It was under his patronage that the Parama Siva Vilasam Dramatic Company was started in Kottakkal to promote Malayalam drama, at a time when only Tamil drama troupes had their sway. A permanent hall to stage Malayalam drama was built at Kottakkkal. Later this dramatic club was renamed as P.S.V. Natyasangham where Kathakali is the main programme now. A Kathakali School is also run by the Natyasangham. Of the popular theatre, K. Damodarans Pattabakki and Cherukads Nammal Onnu played an important role.
Kolkali, Draff Muttu and Aravana Muttu of the Muslim community are important folk art forms of the district. Chavittukali or Cherumakkali is another ancient art of Malappuram.The living exponent of Sopana Sangeetham, Nheralath Rama Poduval, hails from Angadipuram, the seat of the famous Bhadrakali temple with its popular kalampattu ritual.Poet devotee Poonthanam, noted for his simple devotional hyms hails from this place.The Mangalya Pooja ceremony is traditionally performed here for the marriage of young maidens.The district has a good network of libraries. The Kerala Grandhasala Sangham is very active here.
|
