Fairs and Festivals
With a number of Temples, Mosques & Churches Malappuram abounds in fairs and festivals. The following are some of the important ones.
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 Bhagavathi temples of Kerala, the others being Kodungallur ad 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 Kunnuis 2 Kms west of Perinthalmanna, in 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 February. Thousands gather to witness this week long 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 Mosque of Kondotty, constructed in the 18th centuary Ad. The tomp 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, Neychor (Ghee Rice) is distributed to devotees and the poor.
Omanur Nercha
Omanur Nercha is a famous mosque festival in Malappurm District, celebrated in memory of martyrs. Omanur is 6KM 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-Ul-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.