Thrissur : The cultural capital of Kerala

From ancient times, Thrissur district has played a significant part in the political history of south India. The early political history of the district is interlinked with that of the Cheras of the Sangam age, who ruled over vast portions of Kerala with their capital at Vanchi. The whole of the present Thrissur district was included in the early Chera Empire. The district can claim to have played a significant part in fostering the trade relations between Kerala and the outside world in the ancient and medieval period. It can also claim to have played an important part in fostering cultural relations and in laying the foundation of a cosmopolitan and composite culture in this part of the country. Kodungalloor which had the unique distinction of being the 'Premium Emporium India', also belongs to the signal honour or having first given shelter to all the three communities i.e. the Christians, the Jews and the Muslims which have contributed to the prosperity of Malabar.

Even as early as 1919 a committee of the Indian National Congress was functioning in Thrissur. In the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1921, several persons in Thrissur town and other places in the district took active part and courted arrest. Thrissur district can claim the honour of having been in the forefront of the countrywide movement for temple entry and abolition of untouchability. The famous Guruvayur Satyagraha is a memorable episode in the history of the National Movement. Serpent (naga) worship and ancestor worship, evidently non-Aryan practices, have been widely prevalent in the district. The temples here are centres of religious activity. The Vadakkunnathan Temple at Thrissur, Koodalmanikam temple at Irinjalakuda, the Kurumba Bhagavathi temple at Kodungalloor, the Sri Rama Temple at Triprayar, the Sri Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor are some of the reputed shrines. The prominent Gods and Goddesses worshipped are Vishnu, Siva, Bhagavathi, Siva, Bhagavathi, Subramonia and Sastha.


The famous Thrissur Pooram is an annual festival celebrated during April-May in the Vadakkumnathan temple here. During the festival idols of gods and goddesses from various temples are brought in all pomp and pageantry with the play of drums and musical instruments and pro-techniques to the Thekkinkadu Maidan. Lakhs of people attend the festival every year. An all India exhibition is also conducted every year during the Pooram under the combined auspices of the Thiruvampady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms in the temple premises.

Thrissur district has a long tradition in the field of fishing industry. If offers natural facilities for marine and inland fisheries. Its coastline is about 54 kms in length from Azhikode to Puthenkadappuram. About 95 per cent of the total catch is marketed within the district. The fishing industry thus makes a sizeable contribution to the wealth of the district, and is the main source of income of a large section of the people inhabiting the coastal area. A total area under forests in the district is 1006.72 sq kms. The forests of the district are mainly seen in the eastern portion of Talappilli, Thrissur and Mukundapuram taluks. They extend from the Shornoor River (Bharathapuzha) in the north to the Chalakudy River in the south.

Cheruthuruthy is famous as a seat of the Kerala Kalamandalam founded by the poet Sri Vallathol Narayana Menon, to encourage the study of the ancient arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Mohiniattom. Presently the Kerala Kalamandalam is functioning at Vallathol Nagar, with its new building complex and Natyagraha. Kerala Kalamandalam was the first institutional step in the cultural history of Kerala to start training in classical performing arts, which were so far left to the patronage of provincial kings and landlords.

Kerala Sahitya Academy was established on August 15, 1956. It aims at the development of Malayalam language and literature and works in co-operation with the Kerala Sahitya Academy in New Delhi. There is a good library attached to the Academy consisting of two sections, the General Section & the Research Section. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy is also located in Thrissur town and was established on April 12, 1938. Its aim is to foster and develop Kerala dance, drama and music and to promote through the cultural unity of Kerala. It works in close collaboration with the Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy in New Delhi for the enrichment of Indian culture. A regional theatre is constructed in Thrissur with all modern facilities. Kerala Lalitha Kala Academy, located here was established in 1962, the aim of the Academy is to promote sculpture, painting and visual arts.


Athirappalli, 63 kms from Thrissur and Vazhachal 68 kms from Thrissur are the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges. Both these destinations are just five kms apart from each other. The Athirappalli Falls joins the Chalakkudy River after plummeting down a drop of 80 feet whereas Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River. Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, offer a scintillating experience to visitors.

Nattika is a wide, long and virgin golden sand beach about 30 kms away from Thrissur. It is quite and calm and away from the city traffic and hectic urban life. It is ideal for beach holidays and package tours. It is also accessible by road, three kms off the Mumbai - Kanyakumari national highway from Thrissur.

Some of the other places of interest in and around Thrissur include Aquarium, Arattupuzha, Art Museum, Archaeological Museum, Christian Divine Retreat Centres, Dream World Water Park, Peechi Dam, Silverstorm Amusement Park, St Mary's Forane Church - Koratty, Town Hall, Vadakkumnathan Temple, Vilangankunnu, Adur, Ariyannoor Temple, Kandanisserry, Chavakkad, Cheraman Juma Masjid, Irinjalakuda Koodal Manikyam Temple, Kodungallur, Nadanakairali, Punnathoorkotta, Saint Thomas Memorial - Kodungalloor, Shakthan Thampuran Palace and Tripayar Temple.
source:http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200802/backwaters01.shtml