Chittlancherry

Chittlancherry, also known as Chittilamchery or Chittlamcherry, is a village in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It is under the administration of Melarcode Panchayth in Alathur Taluk.

Origin of Name

The name is believed to be derived from "Chuttilam Chery", which means a place surrounded by "Illams" (House of Namboothiries).

Location

Chittilamchery is just 4 kilometers away from Nenmara, which is famous for the Nenmara-Vallangi Vela, and is 7 kilometers from Alathur Taluk. Its location, which is also on the main road of the Pollachi-Thrissur bus route, makes this small village a busy junction.

Description

Chittilamchery is a quiet village with several small size ponds (Aanaari kolam, Kakkatu kolam, Pathyila kolam) and is surrounded by paddy fields. The presiding deity of Chittilamchery is Cherinattury Amma, or Cherinattury Bhagavathy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTy6ERF9k6g&feature=related Most of the villagers rely on agriculture as their primary source of income. Facilities, such as internet facilities and mobile tower communications, are gradually being developed. The village, located on the way to Pollachi, is a very crucial junction for commuters. The village comes under the Melarcode Panchayat while the block office is at Alathur.The ponds in Chittilancheri needs more care and restoration as it dries out completely during the summer time efforts to conserve water needs more priority

The village is mostly Hindu, but also has Muslims and Christians who actively participate in village activities such as Chittilancheri Vela, an annual event that takes place on the 28/29 th of April in honor of the presiding deity.Aarattu is also celebrated in the temple during January end lasting a week where cultural programmed ,bhajanas and devotional songs are presented.Malma kali in the temple premises is also practised .Please find the link for the video related to vela here :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UikdbwaC5kw Kodiyamkad in Chittilancheri is home to many outstanding teachers produced.There is a saying about how the name Kodiyamkad was derived as because at one time it was a base for odiams people practising black magic .Womenfolk were advised to be careful while travelling when the odians were active.However with the ban on the practise by the British government this practise ceased gradually.Overtime odiaymkadu came to be known as Kodiyamkadu.The Valluthan kaavu in Kodiyamkad has recently been restored.

Educational institutions

MNKM Higher secondary school, founded in 1947, is the leading educational institution and the only higher secondary school in Chittilanchery. Other institutions in the area include AUP School and CNS Lower Primary School. The schools, although contributing to the education of the region, are not enough and need funding other than donations to improve.

MNKMHSS Chittilamchery

References

• Google map

Coordinates: 10°35′25″N 76°29′23″E / 10.5902°N 76.4896°E / 10.5902; 76.4896