Kalikavu: Traditions and Cultural History

In Kalikavu, enduring traditions meet a multifaceted cultural history. A bullock-plough competition dedicated to Ambalakkadavu is still held in the municipality; Kolkkali, a traditional folk art of the area, is also still practised there. Other cultural connections include the history of a library and an active arts association. This means you can explore Kalikavu not just through a single custom, but also through the different forms of its cultural life.

Distances at a glance

Vandoor is 11.5 km from Kalikavu, and Nilamboor is 21.5 km away. If you are also considering the locations of nearby places when choosing where to stay, these figures provide a concrete comparison: Vandoor is closer to Kalikavu than Nilamboor is. The difference is ten kilometres. This makes it easier to assess during your trip planning how far each of the two places mentioned is from Kalikavu.

Competitions and folk art

The bullock-plough competition that is still held is dedicated to Ambalakkadavu. This is distinct from the competitions’ earlier cultural role in the Kalikavu municipal area: they were an important folk festival for the farming community. Competitions in Koorad, Poochapoyil and Pevumthara Ambalakkadavu were particularly popular. Thus, an ongoing event and the competitions’ former significance in community life sit side by side.

Another tradition is Kolkkali, a traditional folk art popular in the Kalikavu area that continues to be practised. Among the well-known Muslim artists who led Kolkkali were Pulath Moossamolla from Vellayur and Parakkal Vappukakka from Kalikavu. The two names and their places of origin give this art form a tangible human connection. At the same time, this perspective on folk art differs from that of the bullock-plough competitions, whose cultural role was linked to the farming community.

Library history and arts association

The Tagore Reading Room was established in Srambikkal in 1961 and was the first library in the Kalikavu area. Its history adds a historical perspective on reading to the area’s traditions. It also offers a different perspective on time: the year of its founding marks a specific point in local history, while the competitions are characterised by their former role as a folk festival and Kolkkali by its continued practice.

In the Kalikavu municipality, Nadana Kalavedi is an active arts association at Kalikavu Junction. This means that alongside folk art and the history of the Reading Room, an active association is also part of the municipality’s cultural landscape. When planning your trip, you can consider these as distinct interests: local traditions, cultural history and a contemporary arts association are not the same kind of subject, but different ways of getting to know Kalikavu.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kakkadampoyil, Ponnani, Malappuram, Kundoor, Valanchery, Pulamanthole, Wandoor

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