FESTIVALS IN MALAPPURAM

Kondotti Nercha at kondotti Mosque

On the way to Malappuram, 18 km east of Manjeri, is Kondotti a prominent pilgrim centre for Muslims.Kondotti Nercha at Kondotti Mosque, on the Kozhikode - Malappuram route, 35 km from Kozhikode.

The mosque dates back to the 18th century and is popularly known as the Pazhayangadi mosque. It is associated with the Muslim saint Mohammad Shah who is famous as Kondotti Thangal. The Valia Nercha (great vow) festival attracts large crowds of devotees from all over Kerala.
The three day long Valia Nercha feast at this 500 years old Muslim pilgrim centre, celebrated in February/March, is more of a local cultural event with people from all communities participating.The main occasion is the nercha , a weeklong annual festival. The annual festival is an occasion to watch art forms like Arabanmuttu and Kolkali.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kuttipuram, about 30 km.Nearest airport: Karipur airport, about 60 km.

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.

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.