Pizhala

1341–1541

In 1341, The great flood in Periyar destroyed the Musiris Port. The new port was created in Kochi along with lots of Islands.

Arising of Christian community

1741–1941

In 1859, due to order of The Vicariate of Verapoly Archbishop Bernardo (Giuseppe) Baccinelli, O.C.D, O.C.D Catholic missionaries constructed first school(Pallikkoodam) in Pizhala

Geography

Pizhala is made up of A sedimentary sand. River Periyar sediments sand and mud in the time of flood on AD 1341. Pizhala is situated on the northern side of Kochi and the southern side of Varapuzha, the old headquarters of the Carmelite missionaries. This island is surrounded by the river Periyar. Major portion of the island is wet land i.e. Pokkali Paddy Field. The island Pizhala includes South main land and North main land known as "Paliamthuruth".

Culture

Jerry Amaldev stayed in Pizhala in his boyhood days. His uncle Fr. Joseph Moonjappilly was the parish priest of St. Francis Xavier's Church, Pizhala.

Before 2010, Pizhala has only two wards one is Pizhala South and Pizhala North. Paliyam Thuruth was included in Pizhala North Ward.

In 2010, Pizhala has divided into three wards, They are Pizhala South, Pizhala North and Paliyam Thuruth.

Education

"Pallikoodam" established and Davassy Assan was the first teacher. It upgraded and is now known as St Francis UP School. People can study up to 7th standard. Students have been from Pizhala, Moolampilly and Chennur. Also there is Three Play schools "Baalavaadi" One is near to St. Francis UP school, Second Second One near to Shree Vaishanava Temple and Lat one in Paliyamthuruth Sri.E.M.Francis(cheeku sir),sri Mattu, Sri.Raman valiyaveetil, sri.A.G.Raman,Smt.E.F.Mary,sri.E.F.Francis,Sri.Sreedharan,and Sri.Thomas Elenjikkal are the former teachers of this school.

Religion

Pizhala has a Protestant church, One Catholic Church named as St. Francis Xaviers Church, Moorthinkal Shree Vaishnava Kshethram owned by Kudumbi Community Temple, Shree Balabhadra Temple controlled by Pulaya Community and Eight Family Temples.

Shree Balabhadra Temple

Shree Balabhadra Temple is First Temple in Pizhala. It has a history of more than a century. It is situated near to the primary health center Pizhala. Shree Bala Bhadra Temple is controlled By Pulya Maha Sabha Community. Shree Balabhadra Temple is opening for "pooja" on a couple of days in every month

Moorthinkal Shree Vaishnava Kshethram

Moorthinkal Shree Vaishanava Kshethram, is important temple in pizhala. This Temple was constructed on 1924 under Kudumbi Community. Total Area of this temple is around one acre. Maha Vishnu is the main worship god of this temple. "Bhagavathi", "Brahma Rakshas", "Nagayakshi" and "Naga raj" are the sub worship of it. Temple will open for worship every morning and evening.

Temple Festival

celebrate according to Shaka Varsha Calneder. It will conducted on rohini star day In the month of Makham in Shaka varsha Calneder. It is five day festival. It is very amazing Festival.

Agriculture

Pokkali rice Cultivation on June to October Season. Fish and Shrimp Farming on October - April Season

Proverbs

Because of The High Yield of Pokkali Cultivation, This Proverb arose in Kadamakkudy Region.(പിഴലയിൽ പാഴില്ല) Nothing wasted in Pizhala

Economy and business

Agriculture and fishing.

Kudumba Shree self-help groups are actively participating in the economy of Pizhala

Transport

Moolampilly-Pizhala Ferry (south), Kothad-Pizhala Ferry (east), Kadamakkudy-Pizhala Ferry (north west) and Chariamthuruth-Chennur-Pizhala (north east) Ferry are the four ferries which connect Pizhala island with the mainland. With the construction of Vallarpadam International Container Terminal Road, transportation has been made a little easier.The Bridge between moolampilly and Pizhala is under construction.All piling work is over. There is boat service between Ernakulam-Varapuzha and South Chittoor-Kadamakkudy.

Pizhala has two parts - Pizhala Mainland and Paliyamthuruthu.

Infrastructure

Pizhala is one of the backwards island in Ernakulam District even if it is naturally beautiful.

The Main Government Offices on Pizhala Island are: