Kavalam

Kavalam

Kavalam is a village in Kuttanad. This backwater village in Kerala state, India, is situated on the borders of Alapuzha and Kottayam Districts, on the shore of Vembanad Lake. Its scenic beauty is legendary and has been used by many film makers. Relatively untouched by modernity, Kavalam is a green haven.

Interspersed with the "kayals" (canals) and lakes, this belly of Kerala's backwaters is serene. The lakes and kayals are filled with flocks of ducks, and in summer the rice paddies of Kuttanad turned golden. The hometown of the writer Kavalam Narayana Panicker, Kavalam is part of Kerala's cultural folklore.

A decade back, this sleepy village was accessible only by the lake boats provided by the government of Kerala. As in many other remote parts of Kerala, this non-accessibility gave Kavalam a laidback atmosphere. The place is now accessible from Alleppey, Kottayam and Changanacherry by road. What makes Kavalam unique is its vast "watery junction" that joins five different canals at one place unlike other road junctions - a rare sight indeed!

The village boasts a snake boat named Kavalam Chundan, which is a regular participant in the Vallamkali races. "Kavalam Chundan" is the subject of the 1960s film song "Kuttanadan Punchayile Kochu penne, Kuyilaale".

Legend has it that the great Pandava prince Bhimsena visited the village during his foray into the forests of southern India. He chanced upon the daughter of the village headman and was stunned by her beauty. He approached the headman, asking to marry his daughter. The woman's brother put forward a challenge to the great Bhima: a wrestling match to the death. The Pandava was surprised and began to roar in laughter, for he had never lost a wrestling match. As the villagers tried to dissuade the youngster, Bhimsena began to lose his composure. He agreed to the fight on the condition that the story not be told outside the village and that the fight should not be to the death. He did not want to carry the guilt of taking the life of an innocent young man. The wrestling match was held, and Bhimsena was defeated. Stunned, he blessed the villagers with a strong heart and rich harvests.

Prominent Natives of Kavalam

References

[http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/24/stories/2006082416770400.htm] A lonely traveller's journey ends.

[http://alappuzha.nic.in/] Official website of Alappuzzha District.


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