Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Sports and games

Many well-known personalities in the field of sports and games have adorned Kannur in their respective fields. The Englishmen of the Military Centre brought field hockey , cricket , football , etc. to Kannur during the pre- independence period. The famous Fort Maidan (ground) and Police Maidan provide ample facilities for youths to excel in this field. The CDRE Football team and Hockey team excelled in those days. At the same time, the traditional martial arts like Kalaripayatu has also been flourishing here all along. After independence, the football clubs helped spread the spirit of the game in Kannur. Spirited Youths, Lucky Star, Brothers Club and Gymkhana Club were popular and produced well known players like D'cruz, Soman, Dasan, etc. Sree Narayana College in Thottada was considered a nursery of sporstmen the most prominent of them being B Devananad who captained the college and later Calicut University (the college is now under Kannur University) to national universities title. Devananad later played for the Indian Youth team in Bangkok and several other tournaments to be picked by Tata Football team in Mumbai . He was the fullback when Kerala won its first Santosh Trophy title in 1973. Similarly Mani, the captain of the Santosh Trophy winning Kerala team was another well known player though he faded off the sports horizon. Gimmy George, the veteran Volley Ball player who was selected as best top 10 strikers in the world when he was playing for an Italian Club was born and brough up in Kannur. In Hockey too, apart from the military team, there were good teams in Kannur and Thalassery. Cricket, ball-badminton, weightlifting , gymnastics , wrestling , volleyball , etc. have been widely played in both urban and rural areas. Volleyball has been concentrated upon by youths in rural areas. Former Indian hockey goalkeeper Manuel Fredricks is from Kannur. When Sports Divisions were started in schools in 1976 to tap talents, one of its divisions was started in the district. The Sports Division attached to Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kannur, produced international stars like P.T Usha and M.D. Valsamma in athletics. Leelamma Thomas and Moly Benedict in basketball and Anitha Retnam and Anandavalli in volleyball. The Police Maidan was the venue for M.D Valsamma and Mercy Mathew to practise athletics; P.K. Balachandran, V. P. Sathyan, D'cruz, Rajan, Ramanan, Sugunan, C.M. Chidanandan, B Devananad and George in football and Ford and Olympian Federicks in hockey. Westline & Leslie in cricket had their training at Fort Maidan. Kannur became famous in South India for ball badminton, when T.K. Ramakrishnan and Kumaran were playing. A.M. Bharathan created history in weight lifting in the early fifties. Nelliary Krishnan Nair, the first Malayalee to represent India ( weightlifting) at the first Asian Games held at New Delhi in 1951 is from Kannur. It is also believed that the game of cricket first found its way to Kannur, with the British ,thus making it the birthplace of the game in India . A few years back, the district cricket association celebrated the 200 th anniversary of the game in the district, in a function attended by eminent cricketers like Dilip Vengsarkar .

Snake Park

Snake Park is a famous landmark in the district of Snake Park at Parassinikkadavu , en route from Kannur to Taliparamba, 2  km from National Highway (NH) 17. Here one gets to see a large genre of snakes and other small animals and there is even a live show, where trained personnel play and 'interact' with a variety of snakes, including cobras and vipers , and seek to quell mythical fears and superstitions about snakes. The Snake Park set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra at Pappinisseri, has been a centre of attraction to both foreign and domestic tourists. This Kendra (center) offers effective treatment for snake bites with almost 100 % cure. This is the only place, perhaps where Ayurveda and Allopathy are effectively combined for curing snake bites. The snake park here houses about 150 varieties of snakes including the Spectacled Cobra , King Cobra , Russell's viper , Krait and various pit vipers . There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including Pythons . A research laboratory to extract venom from snakes is proposed to be set up here. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are getting extinct gradually. It is located 16  km from Kannur. Parassinikkadavu is also noted for the famous Muthappan temple . This is the only temple in Kerala where a Theyyam performance is a daily ritual offering.

St.Angelo Fort

St. Angelo Fort , built in 1505 by Sir Francisco de Almeida , the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, is situated near the sea coast and about 2  km from Kannur town. This fort has a legendary past. Having witnessed several wars for seizing the control of the fort, the British flag flew over it finally in 1790. Even now, it is in a fairly good state of preservation, and is a protected monument under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). AArchaeological Survey of India painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind the fort can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam . St Angelo Fort is an important historical monument and tourist centre. Kerala Police has posted six Tourism Police Officers for protection and guidance to the tourists. Among them, Sathyan Eddakkad has detailed knowledge about this fort and the surrounding places. He wrote and published a book in Malayalam named Vasco Da Gaamyum charithrathile kaanaappurangalum (Vasco Da Gama and the unknown pages of history) in which he describes the past and present of the Fort. The fort, though not as large as the famous Bekal Fort in Kasaragod , is a treat to the eyes with lush greenery and well maintained surroundings. The Payyambalam and Government guest house are some of the other famous land marks near the fort.

Pythalmala

Pythalmala is a hill station on the Kerala-Karnataka border is 65  km north of Kannur. Ideal for trekking; it is around 1 ,371.6 metres above sea level. A base reception centre and a watchtower atop the cliff function for the benefit of tourists and trekkers. It is a very good place where one good see beautiful scenaries. It is near to Kudiyanmala.

Ezhimala

Ezhimala , the capital of the ancient Mooshika kings , is considered to be an ancient historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38  km north of Kannur town. A flourishing sea port and centre of trade in ancient Kerala, it was one of the major battle fields of the Chola - Chera war of the 11 th century. It is believed that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. An old mosque , believed to contain the mortal remains of Shaikh Abdul Latif , a Muslim reformist, is also located here. The hill is noted for rare medicinal herbs . There is an old tower of great antiquity here, the Mount Deli Light House. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At Ettikulam bay , one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala is set to occupy a prominent place in the Naval history of the country, subsequent to the proposal for commissioning the Naval Academy there.

Madayipara

Madayipara is significant owing to its biodiversity as well as history. Madayipara was the administrative center of the Ezhimala kings. In and around Madayipara, one can find remnants from the past. At the southern side of the hill, stand the remains of a fort called Pazhi Kotta (kotta means fort in Malayalam). Here one can also find watchtowers at the four corners of the fort. Between AD 14 and AD 18 , Madayipara used to be the site for the coronation ceremony of the rulers of the princely state of Kolathunadu. The hillock of Madayipara, which carries several signs of historic relevance, is also a place important from a religious point of view. Here, a pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, connected to ancient Jewish settlers, is another historic attraction. Similarly, a temple at this site, called Vadukunda Siva Temple, and the adjoining lake, about an acre in extent, form another attraction. The lake near the temple will not go dry even in hot summer months and remains a source of nourishment to life forms. The pooram festival of Madayi Kavu (kavu – family temples and those in the midst of thick vegetation) held at Madayipara has been responsible for much of its fame. With regard to the biodiversity of Madayipara, the region contains about 300 flowering plants, about 30 varieties of grass, and several insect-eating plant species. Madayipara is also home to several rare medicinal herbs. Coming to avian life, Madayipara sustains about 100 species of butterflies and about 150 species of birds. Among the biggest butterflies in the world, the Atlas butterfly is a visitor to Madayipara.

District Agricultural Farm, Taliparamba,karimbam

Taliparamba,'karimbam farm' Established in 1905 , District Agricultural Farm, Kannur is one of the oldest farms in South India. Located at Taliparamba, 20 kilometers from Kannur city, this station was started by Sir Charles Alfred Barber at the behest of the erstwhile Madras Government, based on the recommendation of the Famine Commission of 1880 of Government of India.

Places of worship in Kannur district

Kottiyoor Shiva Temple
Kottiyoor Shiva Temple located at Kottiyoor , is one of the a famous Lord Shiva temple of North Malabar . This temple is located approximately 50  km From Kottayam Malabar. This Shiva Temple also known as the Kasi of South (Dakshina Kaasi) . This is a famous pilgrim of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Actual name of this temple is Sree Kottiyoor Mahadeva Kshetram. Kottiyoor temple is located near Kelakam . Sri Kottiyoor temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year during the "Vaisakha Maholsavam" celebrations. Kottiyoor is totally different from any other temple. Set amidst the jungle, nourished by a flowing river in serene surroundings, you will feel the divine energy the moment you step on this mythical land. Kannur is the nearest rail head. Kozhikode ( Calicut ) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is coming-up at Mattannur .

Oliyankara Juma Masjid,
Cherukunnu Oliyankara Juma Masjid located at Cherukunnu , is a famous Mosque of North Malabar . This mosque is very ancient and historical place for Malabar Muslim Society. It is believed that the priests in ancient days gave importance to the Hindu Gods at this Mosque. The Mosque is at Pallichal near Cherukunnu Town, around 14  km from Kannur , 16  km from Taliparamba and 18  km from Payyannur Kannapuram is the nearest rail head ( Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur ). Kozhikode ( Calicut ) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction near Mattannur .

Thavam Church, Cherukunnu
The Thavam Church at Cherukunnu , is a famous Latin Catholic Church of North Malabar . This church is very old which proclamates the presence of Christians in North Malabar since ancient days. This a heritage place for North Malabar Latin Catholic Society. This church is under Diocese of Kannur. This church is at Thavam near Cherukunnu Town, around 17  km from Kannur , 19  km from Taliparamba and 15  km from Payyannur . Pazhayangadi is the nearest rail head ( Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur ). Kozhikode ( Calicut ) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction near Mattannur .
Annapoorneshwari Temple,
Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple located at Cherukunnu , is a famous temple of North Malabar . At this temple, Lord Krishna is co-located with Sree Annapoorneswari. It is believed that Sree Annapoorneswari has visited the shrine which was under the sea. It is also believed that this temple have been constructed by Lord Parashurama - mythological architect of Kerala. The temple is near Cherukunnu Town, around 14  km from Kannur , 16  km from Taliparamba and 18  km from Payyannur . A large Chira (Swimming pool) is also located near the temple which is very beautiful and mindglowing.

Moonnu Pettumma Palli,
Pappinisseri Moonnu Pettumma Palli (Mosque in the golden memory of the mother who gave birth to the three), popularly known as "Kattile Palli" (Mosque in the Jungle) is the most popular Mosque of North Malabar . The annual festival known as "Kattile Palli Nercha" is attended by people from all religions. This festival is one of the most important festival where the secularism of North Malabar is transparently visible. This Mosque is at Pappinisseri , around 8  km from Kannur , 14  km from Taliparamba Pappinisseri is the nearest rail head ( Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur ). Kozhikode ( Calicut ) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction near Mattannur .

Aaron Church, Pappinisseri
This church is on NH-17 at Pappinisseri. This is avery beautiful church one has to see. This Church around 9  km from Kannur , 13  km from Taliparamba and 25 p;km from Pappinisseri is the nearest rail head ( Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur ). Kozhikode ( Calicut ) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction near Mattannur .

kaattie palli nercha (uroos) 2010 feb:5 , 6 ,7 ,8 @ pappinissery,.

Aroli Sree Vadeswaram Shiva Kshethram, Pappinisseri
This temple is situated at Aroli village in Pappinissery Panchayat. The temple is built on top of a hill which looks like a mountain and hence this temple is known as 'Sree Kailasam' of North Malabar . The temple is under Chirakkal Devaswom Board. Pappinisseri is the nearest rail head (Nearest Major Railway Station is Kannur ). Kozhikode ( Calicut ) Airport is the nearest airport. Kannur Airport is under construction near Mattannur .

Madayi Kavu Pazhayangadi

This is avery famous temple of Lord Bhagavathi. The annual festival of ' Pooram Kuli' is attended by thousands of people from all the four districts of North Malabar . The Madayi Kavu is situated over Madayi hills of Pazhayangadi town.

Madayi Palli Pazhayangadi
This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 by Malik Ibn Dinar , a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of Muhammad . Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by king Kolathiri. This mosque is near Pazhayangadi town.

Saidar Mosque, Thalassery This a very beautiful mosque built in ancient days in the heart of Thalassery Town. This is among famous of Mosques of North Malabar . The Saidar Mosque is beieved to had been built in 12 th Century by Malik Ibn Dinar , a Muslim preacher.

Sree Jagannath Temple, Thalassery Sree Gnanodayayogam the Prominent social organisation of North Malabar and the governing body of Sree Jagannath Temple, Thalassery consecrated by his holiness Sree Narayana Guru, is in the light of centennial celebrations. Sree Jagannath Temple had been consecrated by his Holiness in 1908 itself is a solid proof to discredit their version. Sree Narayana Guru Dev allowed Varadur to invite Kumaran Asan, as his representative and to convene meetings to ascertain the reaction of the people about the feasibility of a Temple for the community. Kumaran Asan who was staying with Dr. Palpu in Bangalore accepted the invitation and on his arrival the first meeting was convened at ‘Parambath House’ of Sree Cheruvari Govindan Shirastadar on 9 July 1905.


Thiruvangad Temple, Thalassery
The Thiruvangad temple, dedicated to Sree Rama, one of the important temple of North Malabar is located at Thalassery . The most striking feature of this temple is the copper sheeting of its roof, due to which it is known popularly as the Brass Pagoda. A part of the temple was damaged by Tipu's troops in the 18 th century, but the temple itself is believed to have been saved from destruction by a miracle. It was one of the outposts of the Thalassery fort in the eighteenth century. In its precincts, many conferences were held between the officials of the East India Company and local leaders, after which important political treaties and agreements were signed. The temple contains some interesting sculptures and lithic records. The annual festival of temple commences on Vishu day in Medam (April-May) and lasts for seven days.

Sree Ramaswami Temple,
Thalassery Sree Ramaswami Temple, which is dedicated to Sri Rama , is one of the most important temples in North Malabar . It is situated in Thalassery . The exquisite carvings in the temple are believed to have been done nearly 400 years ago.

Sundareswara Temple Kannur
This temple was founded in 1916 by Sree Narayana Guru , Lord Siva is the deity consecrated in the temple which has since been opened to all irrespective of caste or creed. Eight day festival is conducted in March-April every year.


Pallikunnu Sree Mookambika
Temple Kannur Sree Mookambika Temple is situated just 2  km from Kannur town and is just half kilometer from Kannur Central Jail. It is near to Krishna Menon Memorial Government Women College. This is one of the most prominent Mookambika temple after the one in Kolloor, Karnataka. The temple has been renovated recently and the annual " Ulsavam" attracts pilgrims from all over Kerala and Malayalis staying outside Kerala as well.

Trichambaram Temple Taliparambu
Trichambaram Temple is situated 20  km from Kannur, near Taliparamba town which is famous for its spices trade. The deity of the temple is Sree Krishna . The sculptures on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum are a class by themselves. The annual temple festival ( Utsavam ) is a colourful event. The fortnight-long festival begins on Kumbham 22 of Malayalam calendar ( which generally falls on March 6) every year with the kodiyettam (hoisting of a religious flag) and comes to an end on Meenam 6 ( which generallay falls on March 20) with Koodipiriyal (Ending of this festival). In between these dates, for 11 days, thitambu nriththam (a sort of dance with idols of Sri Krishna and Balarama) is held at Pookoth Nada ( 1  km from Trichambaram temple).

Sree Rajarajeswara temple Taliparambu
The Rajarajeswara temple is a beautiful Shiva temple (Built by the Tamil chola king Rajaraja Chola III ) and is located at Taliparamba , Kannur distrist, Kerala , India . This temple is situated 25 km North of Kannur. The uniqueness of this temple is that it has no kodimaram/ flagstaff and entry for women only after 8 pm. It is believed to be built during the times of Raja Raja Chola-I. At that time the Chola Empire consisted of the whole of South India, Ceylon and spread up to Malaysia and Indonesia. The temple is regarded as one of the 108 ancient Shiva temples of Kerala. It has a prominent place amongst the numerous Shiva temples in south India. If any problem is encountered in temples of South India, the final solution is sought in this Temple through a prasna , a traditional method of astrological decision making. The prasna is conducted on a peedha (a raised platform) situated outside the temple. The quadrangular sanctum has a two tiered pyramidal roof. In front of the sanctum is the namaskara mandapam . The temple has no kodi maram ( flagstaff) which is a unique feature as other temples in Kerala do have one.

Muthappan Temple
Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan is the most popular God in the North Malabar . Muthappan is (also a theyyam ) performed in the famous Muthappan temple in Parassinikkadavu 16  km north of Kannur town. Parassinikkadavu Sree Muthappan Temple is situated 18  km away from Kannur on the banks of Valapattanam river. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muthappan, believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. This is the only Temple in Southern India where offering to the God is Fish . Also fish Prasadam is given to devotees. All devotees who eat non-veg etarian food must visit this Temple for blessings. This is also the only temple in Kerala where the Folk art form of North Malabar 's 'Theyyam' is presented daily. Toddy and dried fish are the main offerings in this temple, besides boiled grams and fresh tea. Meals as lunch and dinner are provided to the devotees daily. Facility for boating is also available here. Vismaya Water Theme Park and Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is situated near the temple.

Oorpazhassi Kavu
This temple is one of the ancient temples in the region. Bhagavati and Vettakkorumakan are the main deities in this temple. [1] Sri Mavilayikkavu This temple is located in Mavilayi village about 13  km from Kannur town. The temple is famous for "ADI UTSAVAM" . God DAIVATTAR(VISHNU), VETTAKARUMAKAN , GANAPATI AND BHAGAVATI are the main deities in the temple.

Muchilot Bagavathi
One of the popular deities in Kannur District is Muchilot Bagavathi . Last ten years witnessed Muchilot Bagavathi perumkaliyattams at Karivellur , Payyanur , Kunhimangalam , Valapattanam , Muyyam , Vellave , Karamel etc. Anustanangalum Samoohika Prasakthiyum describes the importance of Muchilot Bagavathi in the social formation of North Kerala. There is a practice for supplying food to thousands of devotees in connection with Muchilot Bagavathi . Another work ' Muchilot Bagavathi' narrates the origin and establishment of Muchilot Kavu in different parts of North Malabar . Highly decorative figures of Muchilot Bagavathi attracts the minds of devotees by its aesthetic appeal. In Cherukunnu and Kannapuram yearly Muchilot Bagavathi Theyyam is performed.

Sree Kizhkkeykara Sree Krishna Temple
This temple was built around 3000 Years back at Chirakkal Kannur. Right now as per archeological dept. the manuscripts shows of 2500 years back and the scripts gives the picture like it was during the Chirakkal rajvamsham period the temple used to feed " Anadhanam" ror 2500 peoples at one time. The deity in the temple is of Lord Krishna in the form of Balagopala. The temple stands right in front of chirakkal pond (which is having a water area of 5 acres). One will feel the divine energy the moment you step to this divine land. One can pray here with so peaceful that the bala gopla will be flourishing his grace to his each and every devotee. To reach the temple from Kannur railway station 6.5  km by road, nearest railway station is Valapattanam. Harey Krishna, Harey Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Krishna Harey, Harey.......

Prominent persons

Many people active in Kerala politics like A. K. Gopalan (Founder leader of Communist Party in Kerala), E. K. Nayanar (Chief Minister for longest duration in Kerala), K. Karunakaran Former CM of Kerala and Congress leader, E. Ahamed (Minister of State for Railways and IUML all India leader), M. V. Raghavan (MVR cmp-state leader), P. K. Sreemathy Teacher , (Health Minister in the Kerala government), Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI-M State Leader) have their roots in this district. Other people tracing their origin to this district include Jimmy George (Late) Peravoor (Volleyball player), Sreenivasan (actor) (Malayalam film artist), Moorkoth Ramunni (First Fighter Pilot from Kerala), Samvrutha Sunil ( Malayalam film actress), Bhaskarn.P. ( Politician), T. Padmanabhan , Vineeth ( Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu film artist), and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai . Mr.K.V.Nikesh Kumar Nair is an eminent person hailing from Talipramba of Kannur district.

Monday, June 28, 2010

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Telephone Numbers @ Kannur:
Code: 0497

Description Tele No Railway Station 2705555

All India Radio 2746273

Dooradarsan 2747070

K.S.R.T.C. Station 2707777

Head Post Office 2700190

Telephone General Manager 2710144

Collectorate 2700645
D.I.G. Office 2700586

S.P. Office 2700443
D.E.O., Kannur 2700167

Taluk Office 2704969
District Panchayath Office 2700306

University Mangattuparamba 2705360

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Kannur District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala , India . The town of Kannur is the district headquarters, and gives the district its name. The old name Cannanore is the anglicised form of the Malayalam name Kannur. Kannur District is bounded by Kasaragod District to the north and Kozhikode District to the south. To the east the district is bounded by the Western Ghats , which forms the border with Karnataka state, in its districts of Kodagu and Chamarajanagar . The Arabian Sea lies to the west. Kannur is the most urbanised district in Kerala, with more than 50 % of its residents living in urban areas. Kannur has an urban population of 1 ,212 ,898 , which is the second largest in Kerala after Ernakulam district [ 1 ] . Kannur District is known as the land of looms and lores, because of the loom industries functioning in the district and festivals held in temples . The district is a major centre of Theyyam , a ritual dance of northern Kerala. Small shrines known as kavus associated with the Theyyam dot the district. The district is set to have a new international airport, the fourth in Kerala.