Art & Culture

In the field of Malayalam language and literature, Kozhikode has made many significant contributions. The district is famous for folk songs or ballads known as Vadakkan Pattukal. The most popular songs among them are those which celebrate the exploits of Thacholi Othenan. One of the favourite past times of the Muslims of the district is singing Mappila pattu and Oppana. The songs are composed in a composite language of Arabic and Malayalam, evoking the historic ties enjoyed by the seaport with traders and seafarers from Arabia.

The famous intellectual debate for Vedic scholars to win the coveted position of Pattathanam takes place at Thali temple during the month of Thulam. Kozhikode also has strong associations with ghazals and football.The multicultural mix of Kozhikode ensures that Onam, Christmas and Id-ul-Fitr (the festivals of the Hindus, Christians and Muslims) are celebrated with equal pomp. Some of the folk songs of the region are a curious composite of Arabic and Malayalam, the local language.

The temple and mosques of this district contain sculptures and inscriptions which are of considerable interest to the students of art. Kozhikode town itself has many temples, the most important of which are the Tali temple, the Tiruvannur temple, Azhakodi temple, Varakkal temple, Bilathikulam temple and Bhairagimadom temple. Some of these temples contain sculptures and paintings of very high artistic order. The Thiruvilangad temple contains many ancient sculptures. Its gateway is interesting because it is built in the same style as the Jain Bastis.

At Meppayur, 16.09 kms. southeast of Vadakara, is the Elavattara temple of Durga, in the grove attached to which are some sculptured images. Southeast of Vadakara by 4.92 kms. is the Lokanarkav, in the vicinity of which there are rock-cut caves. There is an art gallery and Krishna Menon Museum at East hill in Kozhikode city. Lalithakala Academy also has an art gallery adjacent to town hall, Kozhikode.

In the field of Malayalam Language and Literature, Kozhikode has made most significant contributions. The district is famous for folk songs or ballads known as Vadakkam Pattukal. The most popular folk songs among them are those which celebrate the exploits of Tacholi Meppayil Kunju Othenan, ‘the Robinhood of North Malabar.

During temple festivals and important social functions entertainments like Koothu, Kathakali, Ottanthullal and Kaikottikali are performed. There are also ritual dances such as Thira and Theyyam.

One of the favourite pastimes of the Muslims of the district is the singing of the Mappilapattu and Oppana. These songs are sung in a distinctive tune and cover a wide range of themes. The songs are composed in a composite language of Arabic and Malayalam.