Idimuzhikkal

Location

Idimuzhikkal town is technically in Malappuram district but it is considered an extension of the Ramanattukara town of Kozhikode district. It is bordered by Feroke, Pallikkal, Thenjipalam, Vallikunnu, Kondotty and Kadalundi towns. The National Highway 17 transverses this township at Idimuzhikal and Kakkanchery which are three kilometers apart.

Proposed Vallikunnu Municipality

The proposed Vallikunnu Municipality comprises:

Total Area: 77.18 km²

Total Population (1991 Census): 108,792

History

The history of Chelembra is not found in any written documents, but it is believed to be ruled by local landlords known as Elancheeri Manazhi Moosad who reside at Elancheeri Illam, Perumannassery (Perunneeri) and their "Samantha" (servants) Nambeesans of Thiruvangattu. Thiruvangattu Shiva Temple is an important historic location in this Panchayat. The Embranthiris of Neelamana Illam also were servile to Elancheeri Moosad and assisted them in the administration of the village.

It's believed that these Neelaman Embranthiris were brought to Chelembra by the Manazhi Moosad from the northern districts of Kerala to take care of the rituals and administration of the temples of this village. The Elancheeri Sree Sankara Narayana Kshetram is believed to be constructed for the exclusive use of the members of the Manazhi Family, but later on were given to the public by the Manazhi Moosad. Adv. Anil Moosad is the present lord of the region.

During the time of his father Manazhi Sreedharan Moosad, the Sankara Narayana Temple administration was entrusted with a committee of devotees which was led by Karuthedath Raman Nambeesan, Vasuthodi Neelakantan Nambeesan, Chandran Appat, P P Balakrishnan Master, Radakrishna Menon and Nellikkode Dasan.

Economy

Idimuzhikkal is one of the main commercial centers of Chelembra. The economy is mainly agrarian and small business oriented. Eurospin Industries, one of the main industries in Chelembra has stopped operation due to labour strikes. The Kinfra industrial facility is situated in this village.

Chelembra has witnessed a building boom in recent years, along the sides of two National Highways and a bypass road. This is particularly evident in the number of shopping complexes built in recent years. Chelembra is developing fast with the development of KINFRA industrial park at Kakkanchery by the Kerala Government. This is the first of its kind in the state. Other planned projects include the Cyber park at Ramanattukara. Close proximity to Calicut International Airport, the University of Calicut and two major national highways speeds the development of Chelembra.

Traditional Weavers

Once Idimuzhikkal was known for the traditional weavers of Idimuzhikkal Theru. They span cotton yarn from the fibre and then made cotton towels and cloth from this yarn. The cotton face towels known locally as "thorthu" was sold throughout the area and in the nearby city, Kozhikode. The traditional weavers of Idimuzhikkal belonged to a particular community known as Shaliya, Chettiyar, or Padma Shaliya. According to the caste hierarchical system of Kerala, this community was just below the Vishwakarma community of the Hindu religion. They too are a subdivision of the Vishwakarma community. They lived in small communes, called 'theru', and they worshipped Lord Ganapathy as their deity. There are 'theru' in different parts of the state. The main source of income of Idimuzhikkal was from this traditional weaving industry. Some still continue with this profession.

Specially trained carpenters of this region make the weaving machinery, which is called 'thari'.

Politics

People of Chelembra is active in politics also, perhaps Indian Muslim League will be the party which has the largest number of registered members, followed closely by Communist (Marxist)Party of India. Indian National Congress, BJP and other such socio-political parties are also alive here.

Chelembra is now becoming a noted education centre also. Bhavans have a CBSE higher secondary school, law college, teacher's training centre and a junior college. Another noted educational institution is Naarayanan Nair Memorial Institutions and Devaki Amma Colleges. There are BEd, DEd, MEd, colleges, Postgraduate Pjarmacy colleges, Higher Secondary schools, College of Architecture and junior schools by this group.

Important Landmarks

There are some prestigious educational institutions in Chelembra- Bhavan's Vidyashram located at Idimuzhikkal, Devaki Amma college of Pharmacy and Devaki Amma Memorial Guruvayoorappan College of Architecture, Narayanan Nair Memorial Higher Secondary School, Subramanya Vilasam Aided Upper Primary School, Alikkutty Moulavi Memorial Upper Primary School, Kolakattuchakli UP School, Peruntodippadam UP School etc. are some of them.Narayanan Nair School was established in 1976 at Pulliparamba in Chelembra.

Thiruvangat Siva temple, Elannummel Siva temple, Perumannassery Sankaranarayana temple, Subramannya Swami temple, Theru Maha Ganapathi temple, Ayyappa Bhajana Madom, Idimuzhikkal, Chelooppadam Mosque, Elannummal Mosque, Kuroangoth Mosque, Perunneeri Mosque, Panayappuram juma Masjid etc. are a few of the places of worship in Chelembra.

Chelembra is the first Panchayath in Kerala which achieved 100% computer literacy by implementing the Akshaya programme successfully. Chelembra received the state award called "Nirmal Award" for the best Panchayath in Kerala.

Darul Irshad Shariath College is situated on Kolakuth road. Devaki Amma Training Collge and Narayanan Nair H.S.School are also situated nearby. Elannummel Shiva Temple at Kolakkatuchaly attracts many devotees. Noorul Hudha school is at Muthirapparamba.

Culture

Idimuzhikkal village is a predominantly Muslim populated area. Hindus exist in comparatively smaller numbers. So the culture of the locality is based upon Muslim traditions. Duff Muttu, Kolkali and Aravanamuttu are common folk arts of this locality. There are many libraries attached to mosques giving a rich source of Islamic studies. Most of the books are written in Arabi-Malayalam which is a version of the Malayalam language written in Arabic script. People gather in mosques for the evening prayer and continue to sit there after the prayers discussing social and cultural issues. Business and family issues are also sorted out during these evening meetings. The Hindu minority of this area keeps their rich traditions by celebrating various festivals in their temples. Hindu rituals are done here with a regular devotion like other parts of Kerala.

Transportation

Idimuzhikkal village connects to other parts of India through Feroke town. National highway No.66 passes through Idimuzhikkal and the northern stretch connects to Goa and Mumbai. The southern stretch connects to Cochin and Trivandrum. State Highway No.28 starts from Nilambur and connects to Ooty, Mysore and Bangalore through Highways.12,29 and 181. The nearest airport is at Kozhikode. The nearest major railway station is at Parappanangadi.

Suburbs and Villages

Tourist Attraction

The village still retains its rustic beauty; several ponds, especially the Appat pond, along with tiny brooks that weave across the expanse of paddy fields, are the main attractions of this village.The village rest in the banks of branches of Kadalundi River which originates from Neelithode of Ramanattukara. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary spreads over a cluster of islands where the Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian Sea. There are over a hundred varieties of native birds and around 60 varieties of migratory birds that come here in large numbers annually. Idimuzhikkal/Ramanattukara is the main town, Kakkanchery is another developing town; both situated by National Highway 17.