Valapattanam
Grama Panchayat

History of the Grama Panchayat

The events associated with the national movement during the freedom struggle are heroic memories in the history of Valapattanam. In Valapattanam, which was part of the former Chirakkal Taluk, the freedom movement began during the 1925–1930 period. The British army had made all preparations in Valapattanam to suppress the Quit India Movement of 1942. Due to the heavy military presence, it was impossible to hold meetings or organize rallies to pass the Quit India resolution. However, the freedom fighters of Valapattanam hid near the old Kohinoor Company during the day, boarded a large boat at midnight, and traveled along the Valapattanam River. Arriving at the Keeriyaad marshlands in the morning, a group of about fifty people met there, passed the Quit India resolution, and marched towards Valapattanam as a procession.

The British army blocked this rally near Valapattanam WAM Ground, brutally assaulted the marchers, and arrested Panikkakath Muhammed Sali, who led the demonstration. Another notable incident involved shocking the authorities by hoisting the Indian flag on a mango tree in the courtyard of the Valapattanam Police Station. Under the cover of night, evading the police and military, the freedom fighter B.T. Muhammed (famously known as 'Vayalumu') climbed the tree, stayed hidden, and tied the national flag atop the tree before dawn before escaping unnoticed—a remarkable act of bravery.

In the field of education, Government High School, the largest institution in Valapattanam, was established in 1964. Similarly, the Valapattanam Government Hospital, inaugurated in 1968, was built through voluntary labor (shramadaan) and financial contributions from the local residents before being handed over to the government.

Cultural History

Around 1,400 years ago, Islamic scholars from the lineage of the Prophet—including Muhammed Ibn Abu Bakr, Ahammad Jamaluddin Bukhari, Hazrat Ramadan, Seethi Ibrahim Thangal, Abdulla Haji, and Hydros Thangal—arrived from Arabia to propagate Islam. As a result of their missionary work, the majority of the local population embraced Islam.

The region known as Valapattanam Kottappadi is said to have witnessed numerous historical events. It is believed that both Tipu Sultan and the Chirakkal Royal Dynasty used this area as a military base. This fort was also utilized during the reign of Cheraman Perumal. According to tradition, Cheraman Perumal gave up his rule and set sail for Mecca from here to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, after which the fort was abandoned. Its historical ruins can still be seen today. Inscriptions found at the historically famous Kukkulangara Mosque shed light on this ancient history dating back thousands of years.

It is also said that Valapattanam was the headquarters of King Vallabha of the Mooshaka dynasty. This is likely why the place came to be called 'Vallabhapattanam' and later 'Valapattanam'. It is referred to as Balafattayan in Arabic and Vriddhipuram in Sanskrit.

The Pooram festival at the Kalarivathukkal Bhagavathy Temple takes place from the Karthika star to the Pooram star in the Malayalam month of Meenam. The Perunguliyattam festival occurs in the month of Edavam, marking the conclusion of temple festivals across Malabar. Alongside the major Thirumudi (sacred headgear), six smaller Thiras are performed during the festival. In other temples, distinct Thiras such as Pootham, Pothi, and Gulikan are staged.

Uroos festivals and religious lectures by prominent scholars are regularly held at the famous Kukkulangara Mosque, Kunnath Mosque, and Fakeer Kunn Makham Mosque. In earlier times, festival celebrations featured markets with adorned elephants.

The Muslim leaders of this region maintained a very close friendship with the neighboring Chirakkal Royal Family. As part of this tradition, until recently, the Khadis of Valapattanam would visit the Chirakkal Palace on Eid day via palanquin to exchange pleasantries and gifts with the King.

While ancient customs such as Pongal, Thirandukuli (puberty rites), Thalikettu Kalyanam, and Konthram Pattu have disappeared over time, rituals like Upanayanam (sacred thread ceremony), Avikoodal, naming ceremonies, as well as distinct marriage and funeral rites across various religious communities, continue to be practiced today.