Experience Mamankam Heritage

Heritage Tourism (HT) is all about visiting places of historical and heritage significance. One such place is Tirunavaya, a scenic village located on the banks of Bharathapuzha. The erstwhile 28-day river festival Mamankam prominent during the reign of the Zamorins of Kozhikode was held once in 12 years and was attended by rulers from various parts of Kerala. Traders from remote places also took part in this cultural event and grand trade fair. Through a heritage walk, I explored all the five Mamankam sites in three hours.

Where history was made

The Mamankam sites include the Nilapaduthara, Manikinar, Marunnara, Pazhukkamandapam and Changampalli Kalari - all located in Tirunavaya. I started my heritage walk from Nilapaduthara, one of the most prominent sites of Mamankam, that lies on the premises of Kodakkal tile factory. During the Mamankam festival, the Zamorin used to stand on a raised platform called Nilapaduthara surrounded by warriors who fought with Chavers. Next, I moved towards the Manikinar, a well in which the bodies of the dead warriors were thrown into. Later, I proceeded to Marunnara situated on Kodakkal-Bandar Road which was used by the rulers to store the explosives for wars. I then visited the Navamukunda Temple and the nearby Pazhukkamandapam, from where the royals used to view the Mamankam festival on the sand beds of Nila. Finally, I visited Changampalli Kalari situated close to Thazhathara-Kuttippuram Road. This was where soldiers were trained for wars and administered treatment when injured.

Relive the heritage

Heritage walk is the most innovative and ideal way to discover all the Mamankam sites located within three kilometres. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) Malappuram should introduce guided heritage walking tours in order to exploit the heritage potential of Mamankam sites. Absence of proper promotional strategies is also an issue faced by Mamankam sites. The Department of Archaeology is entrusted with the conservation of all the sites. Celebrated during the time of Kulasekharas from the 14th century till 18th century, the Mamankam festival came to an end with the conquest of Malabar by Hyder Ali. The last Mamankam festival was organised in 1755 AD.

Along with visiting the sites, I also spent time on the banks of the Nila in Tirunavaya and Bandar Kadavu. The view of the river is enchanting. Those who are planning a trip can visit Tirunavaya during Shivaratri festival which the Navamukunada Temple is famous for. Visit Mamankam monuments to relive our heritage.

(The writer is a lecturer at the School of Tourism Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam)